Waqf Act won’t be executed in Bengal; I’ll protect your property: Mamata
Mamata appeals to people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement, asserts that the government’s job is to protect all
The Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made it clear on Wednesday (April 9).
Addressing a programme of the Jain community in Kolkata, Mamata said she will protect minority communities and their property.
‘Don’t get provoked’
“I know you are aggrieved because of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together,” she said.
Mamata, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, appealed to the people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement.
Also read: Waqf (Amendment) Act comes into force
Apparently referring to the violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Murshidabad district on Tuesday, she said, “Look at the situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh. This (Waqf Bill) should have not been passed now. We have 33 per cent of minorities in Bengal. What will I do with them?”
‘Our job to protect all’
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of the next day after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.
“History says that Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India were all together. Partition took place later. And those who are living here, it’s our job to give them protection,” Mamata said.
She added that if people are together, they can conquer the world.
Also read: Half of Maharashtra Waqf land 'encroached'; Mahayuti govt set to launch crackdown
“Some people will provoke you to assemble and launch a movement. I will appeal to all of you not to do it. Please remember when Didi (as Mamata is affectionately called) is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us have trust in each other,” the chief minister said.
A message of unity
At the Jain community programme, Mamata said she visits places of all religions and will continue to do so.
“Even if you shoot me dead, you will not be able to separate me from (that) unity. Every religion, caste, creed... all of them pray for humanity and we love them,” she said.
Also read: Waqf a tool to erode India's diversity: Pinarayi lashes out at Centre
Mamata said she goes to Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jain and Buddhist temples, gurudwaras, churches, and Guru Ravidas temple.
“In Rajasthan, I visited Ajmer Sharif as well as Brahma Temple in Pushkar,” she said.
(With agency inputs)
