West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act goes against the federal structure of the country.
Speaking at a meeting with Imams, Mamata said that everyone irrespective of religion has played a role in India’s progress, but efforts are on to undermine the Constitution.
“I appeal to PM Modi not to allow any ‘atrocious law’ and to keep check on his home minister,” Mamata Banerjee said while addressing the gathering.
She said that her belief lies in Sarva Dharma Samabhava, citing Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda.
“I talk about all religions. Where does BJP go when we renovate Kaali Temple? When we celebrate Durga Puja, they say we don’t let people celebrate here. Saraswati Puja is celebrated in every household, and they say we don’t let this happen. Everyone should respect all religions, this is our tradition,” the West Bengal chief minister said.
She also spoke about the recent communal unrest in Murshidabad, claiming the violence was pre-planned.
“The disturbances in Murshidabad were not spontaneous; they were orchestrated,” Mamata said, adding that certain groups were involved in fuelling the tensions.
Mamata questions Centre’s record on employment
Banerjee also questioned the Centre’s record on employment and rising costs, accusing media outlets funded by the BJP of spreading fake videos to defame Bengal.
“They (Centre) should answer how many youths have got jobs? The prices of medicines, petrol, and diesel have been increased, but some ‘godi media’ only speak against Bengal. If you have to say something, come and say it in front of me and not behind me,” said Mamata Banerjee.
“Some media channels funded by the BJP show fake videos of Bengal. We caught them. They showed 8 videos from Karnataka, UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan and tried to defame Bengal. They should feel ashamed,” she added.
She also called for control over those attempting to create unrest in Bengal, particularly in response to BJP’s statements.