The Waqf Bill has sparked widespread protests across India, especially in Kolkata, where rallies have been held against the controversial legislation.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Apr 11, 2025
The Bill, passed in Parliament with significant support, has drawn sharp opposition from various political and religious groups in West Bengal.
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In the Rajya Sabha, the Bill was cleared with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, despite the controversy surrounding its provisions.
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The Biju Janata Dal defied the Opposition and supported the amendments, marking a division in regional political alliances.
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The Trinamool Congress, however, saw internal dissent, with three of its MPs absent during the Lok Sabha vote.
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West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim expressed the state’s opposition to the law, emphasizing the commitment to minority rights.
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A resolution passed by the West Bengal Assembly opposing the Waqf Bill was ignored by the central government, fueling further tensions.
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The Bill allows the government greater power over Waqf property surveys and introduces non-Muslim members on Waqf boards.
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Unlike the previous law, the new bill permits judicial intervention in disputes, adding complexity to property claims under the Waqf boards.
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The government’s push for the Waqf Bill, despite resistance, has made it a flashpoint in West Bengal, where local leaders vow to block its implementation.