Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has taken a sharp dig at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over her refusal to implement the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act in the state.
Speaking at an event on the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Meghwal said it was inappropriate for Banerjee to oppose a law passed by Parliament, asserting that such legislation applies across the country and must be upheld by all states.
Highlighting her past stance on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Meghwal pointed out that despite initially voicing strong objections, Mamata Banerjee had ultimately implemented the CAA in West Bengal.
Drawing parallels, he questioned her current resistance to the Waqf law, which he said was being misrepresented for political purposes. He stressed that while constructive suggestions are welcome during the framing of rules, a blanket refusal to enforce the law undermines the legislative process.
Mamata Banerjee, in response to the ongoing unrest, posted on social media that she would not allow any “divide and rule” tactics in West Bengal and pledged to protect the interests and property of all communities.
She urged people not to fall into the trap of provocation and called for mutual trust, asserting that her leadership would ensure the safety of the public.
The political row comes amid rising tensions and violence in Murshidabad, where protests against the Waqf law turned deadly. Areas including Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj, and Jangipur witnessed clashes, arson, and widespread property damage, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others.
Law enforcement has responded with over 150 arrests, the imposition of prohibitory orders, and suspension of internet services in the affected areas. BSF personnel have also been deployed to control the situation.
Visuals emerging from Murshidabad depict a grim picture of destruction—burnt shops and homes, shattered vehicles, and people fleeing the area. Many residents reportedly crossed the Bhagirathi River to seek safety in neighbouring Malda district.
In her latest remarks, Banerjee distanced her government from the central law, placing the onus of responsibility on the Union government.
She called for peace and appealed to political groups not to exploit the situation for their own agendas, saying that human lives are too valuable to be lost to politically motivated violence.
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