‘Have faith, nothing will happen’: Mamata Banerjee assures Muslims as Waqf Act comes into force

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reassured Muslims that their rights and properties would be protected with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which was passed by Parliament last week, coming into force from Tuesday.

While addressing a programme of the Jain community in Kolkata, she said, "I want to tell minorities - we know that you are pained over the Waqf property matter. Have faith, nothing of any sort will happen in Bengal that will allow ‘divide and rule’. Give a message that we will all live together - Live And Let Live. There should be no impatience.” 

She also appealed to the people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement.

Referring to the violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Murshidabad on Tuesday, she said, “It is our duty to provide protection to all communities. I appeal to the minority communities to not fall for political provocation.”

Mamata Banerjee said that if people are together, they can conquer the world. "Please remember that when Didi is here, Didi will protect you and your property. Don’t distrust and let us trust each and everybody. If we are together, we can win everything and conquer the world. Let's give this message to the world," the chief minister said.

Waqf Act takes effect

On April 3, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed it on April 4. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.

The government announced on Wednesday, through a gazette notification, that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 9.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (14 of 2025), the Central Government hereby appoints the 8th day of April, 2025 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” the notification said.