Mamata tries to allay fears of over implementation of Waqf Amendment Bill

Facing criticism from a section of Muslim leaders as her government is going ahead with the digitisation of Waqf properties in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (December 3, 2025) tried to assure the people that she will not allow “anyone to touch people’s property”.

“Some are trying to incite division on the basis of religion. Waqf law (Waqf Amendment Bill) was introduced by the BJP. In the State Assembly, we brought a proposal against it (the Bill). We resisted it and filed a case in the Supreme Court, which is ongoing,” the Chief Minister said addressing a public meeting at State’s Malda district.

Ms. Banerjee added that as long as she is there, she will not allow anyone to touch minorities. “Whoever it may be, I will not allow anyone to touch religious places. I do not do communal politics,” Ms. Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks come days after a letter by West Bengal Minority Affairs Department directed all District Magistrates to upload registered Waqf Properties on Data in Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment. Efficiency & Development (UMEED) Portal has surfaced in public domain.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 passed by the Parliament in April 2025 and the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that the law will not be implemented in the State.

A letter by P.B. Salim Secretary to the Government of West Bengal Minority Affairs & Madrasah Education Department to all District Magistrates on November 27 pointed out that all the ‘Existing Registered Waqf Properties’ are to be uploaded by the respective Mutawallis within 6 months from the date of launch of the UMEED Central Portal and the said six months period will expire on 5th December, 2025.

Leaders from Muslim community including West Bengal Minister and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Bengal president Siddiqullah Chowdhury has said “Muslims will not stay quiet if Waqf properties are taken away”.

Toha Siddique, a religious teacher from Furfura Sharif has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of indulging in double-speak when it comes to the interest of Muslims. Leaders from AIMIM have also announced a protest in Kolkata against the state government’s “decision to accept the new law after resisting it for months”.

Muslims comprise 27.01 % State’s population and have firmly been behind the Trinamool Congress since 2011. Any split in the Muslim support base may pose problems for Trinamool Congress in the upcoming Assembly polls.