– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: Protests against the newly-amended Waqf Act 2025 intensified across West Bengal on Friday, with thousands of students from Kolkata’s Aliah University staging a peaceful march, demanding the law’s repeal. Demonstrations were also reported in Siliguri and other parts of the state, reflecting growing discontent within sections of the Muslim community.
The new Waqf Law, which passed through both Houses of Parliament after hotly-debated sessions, received presidential assent last week, became a law. The Act has since sparked opposition from several political parties and community groups, who argue it undermines minority rights and property protections.
In Kolkata, Minister and city Mayor Firhad Hakim accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to polarise the state along religious lines. “The BJP is trying to divide Bengal, but their plans won’t succeed here,” Hakim said during the students protest.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a series of petitions against the Act on April 16. Coinciding with the hearing, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to meet with state imams and Ulama in Kolkata. She has assured the Muslims that her government will safeguard their property rights.
“Just as no one can take my property, no one else’s property should be taken either,” Mamata Banerjee said at a recent public event, reiterating her government’s commitment to protecting minority rights. Muslims make up roughly 30% of West Bengal’s population and represent a significant voter base for the ruling Trinamool Congress, as the state gears up for elections next year.
