16-Apr-2025,06:00 PMUnion Minister Kiren Rijiju has sharply criticized Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, accusing her of “inciting violence” through her statements on the Waqf Act. This controversy comes in the wake of Banerjee’s strong opposition to the Centre’s recent stance on reforms concerning Waqf properties. The remarks have added fuel to an already intense political climate in the state, with opposition leaders claiming that Mamata is deliberately creating unrest for political mileage.
As the political war of words escalates, this issue is expected to have far-reaching consequences not only in Bengal but also in the national political discourse around minority rights and governance.
Kiren Rijiju’s Strong Words Against Mamata Banerjee
Kiren Rijiju Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Provoking Unrest
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju did not mince words as he took on Mamata Banerjee, saying that her remarks on the Waqf Act were not only misleading but also had the potential to create communal tension.
“She is inciting violence by spreading falsehoods about the Centre’s intentions. The government is only trying to bring transparency and stop the illegal use of Waqf properties,” Rijiju said. He added that Banerjee’s comments were “an insult to democratic debate” and called for political leaders to be “more responsible with their words.”
Mamata Banerjee Stance on the Waqf Act
Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes Waqf Reforms
Mamata Banerjee has been a vocal critic of any central interference in matters related to religious institutions. Recently, she made public statements suggesting that the Centre’s interest in Waqf reforms was a ploy to “seize lands owned by the Muslim community”. She stated that the BJP was targeting minorities and undermining their constitutional rights.
At a recent rally in Kolkata, Banerjee said, “We will not allow Delhi to loot our land in the name of reform. Bengal will fight back.”
Her critics, however, argue that such statements are a political strategy aimed at consolidating the minority vote bank ahead of the upcoming elections.
The Waqf Act and the Controversy Explained
What Is the Waqf Act and Why Is It Being Reformed?
The Waqf Act, enacted in 1995, governs the administration of Waqf properties—land or assets endowed for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Over the years, various corruption allegations and illegal encroachments have raised concerns over its implementation.
The Central Government, in a bid to bring transparency, has proposed amendments that would digitize records, regulate property usage, and make state Waqf boards more accountable.
While the government claims these reforms are necessary to prevent misuse of religious assets, Mamata Banerjee and other opposition leaders argue that it is an attempt to infringe upon minority rights.
Political Implications of Mamata Banerjee’s Remarks
Will This Impact Bengal’s Political Landscape?
Mamata Banerjee’s vocal opposition to the Waqf reforms appears to be strategically timed. With Lok Sabha elections drawing near, Banerjee is looking to consolidate her support among the Muslim community, which makes up nearly 30% of West Bengal’s population.
However, critics like Kiren Rijiju argue that such tactics come at the cost of national unity and harmony. “Instead of speaking as a Chief Minister of a state, she is acting like a leader of a particular community,” Rijiju claimed.
This could polarize the electorate further, creating a deep political divide in Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee’s Political Legacy and Strategy
Champion of the Marginalized or Political Opportunist?
Since coming to power in 2011, Mamata Banerjee has consistently positioned herself as a protector of minority rights. Whether it was her protest against the NRC or her resistance to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she has always maintained a strong anti-Centre stance on such issues.
Supporters hail her as a leader who fights for the downtrodden, while detractors label her as a populist who uses identity politics for votes. Her current resistance to Waqf reforms fits this pattern, making it a key talking point in Bengal’s volatile political climate.
Reactions from Other Political Parties
BJP and Congress React to Mamata Banerjee’s Statements
While the BJP has firmly backed Kiren Rijiju’s criticism of Mamata Banerjee, the Congress has taken a more nuanced stance. Congress leaders in Bengal have called for a more balanced dialogue, urging both the Centre and the State Government to avoid “language that may provoke unrest.”
Meanwhile, Left leaders have also weighed in, criticizing both BJP and TMC for turning Waqf reforms into a communal issue instead of a governance challenge. They argue that the focus should be on transparency and fairness, rather than vote bank politics.
Public Opinion – Mixed Reactions Among Citizens
Is Mamata Banerjee Speaking for the People or Playing Politics?
On social media, the debate around Mamata Banerjee’s remarks has been intense. While many of her supporters have lauded her for standing up to the Centre, others believe she is diverting attention from state issues like unemployment, law and order, and infrastructure.
In urban areas like Kolkata, citizens appear divided. While some view her as a bulwark against centralization, others are growing weary of the confrontational politics and demand more development-focused governance.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Waqf Politics and Governance?
As the war of words continues between Kiren Rijiju and Mamata Banerjee, the debate on the Waqf Act reforms has become more than a policy issue—it is now a symbol of India’s evolving political identity.
Whether Mamata’s resistance will help her politically or backfire remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in the politics of land, religion, and law, every word matters—and in this case, it could have serious implications for both Bengal and national unity.
Source: ANI
