Anti-Waqf Act protests: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visibly inciting violence, says Kiren Rijiju

NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday accused West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of inciting violence through her public statements opposing the implementation of the amended Waqf Act in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Kochi, Rijiju questioned how the CM, holding a constitutional office, could openly declare that she would not enforce a law passed by Parliament. "How? How can she say she will not implement it? She is sitting in a constitutional position and the law is passed by a constitutional body, then how can she say that she will not follow something that is constitutional," he said.

He added that such a stance undermines the constitutional framework and the rule of law.

In response to queries about the Waqf Act related violence in that state, Rijiju blamed Banerjee. "The CM is visibly inciting violence by asking people to protest and saying that she will not follow the law passed by Parliament,"he said.

The violence has notably affected areas such as Bhangar in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad districts, where clashes have resulted in injuries, property damage, and fatalities.

CM Banerjee has maintained that the Waqf Amendment Act, passed by Parliament, will not be implemented in West Bengal. She has appealed for peace and restraint among the people, urging them not to engage in communal violence or "irreligious behaviour in the name of religion".

Banerjee has reiterated that the state government did not create the law and that grievances should be directed towards the BJP-led central government.

The situation in West Bengal remains tense, with communal violence having allegedly displaced hundreds of families.

The central government has deployed forces to restore order.