West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a strong stand against the Waqf Amendment Act, raising serious concerns over what she described as the unfair portrayal of Bengal amid the intensifying protests linked to the controversial law. Speaking amid growing public unrest and political tension, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the image of West Bengal is being deliberately tarnished, despite the areas affected by violence and dissent being under the control of the Congress party, not her administration.

The Waqf Amendment Act, which has triggered widespread protests in various parts of the country, is now being fiercely contested not just on the streets but also in the Supreme Court, where the legality and broader implications of the law are under review. However, in West Bengal, the resistance appears to be the most vociferous, with Mamata Banerjee at the forefront of the opposition movement.

Mamata Banerjee's Counter-Narrative

In a public address on April 16, 2025, Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay at the way West Bengal is being portrayed in media and political narratives surrounding the Waqf Act protests. She asserted that Bengal is being used as a scapegoat in a broader political battle and is being painted as the epicentre of unrest, which, according to her, is both incorrect and politically motivated.

"The areas witnessing unrest over the Waqf Amendment Act are not even under my party’s jurisdiction," said Mamata, implying that the Congress should be held accountable for the local fallout. She also rejected allegations that her government was either complicit or lenient in handling the tensions.

Backdrop: The Waqf Amendment Act Controversy

The Waqf Amendment Act, passed earlier this year, has led to massive backlash from opposition parties, minority organizations, and civil society activists who claim that the law infringes on property rights, lacks transparency in Waqf board appointments, and reduces accountability. Protesters argue that the law gives excessive power to the Waqf boards and opens doors to political misuse and land grabbing.

In several states, including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra, protests have broken out, with demonstrators demanding either a rollback of the law or a Supreme Court intervention. In Bengal particularly, protestors have staged sit-ins, marches, and rallies in districts like Murshidabad, Malda, Howrah, and parts of Kolkata.

Supreme Court Intervention & Political Blame Game

As the Supreme Court begins to hear petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, Mamata Banerjee has aligned herself with the growing legal pushback, calling for the law to be scrutinised constitutionally and tested for fairness. Her government is reportedly considering filing an interlocutory application to present the state’s perspective, even as she continues to distinguish Bengal’s role in the national turmoil.

Banerjee’s sharp rhetoric comes at a time when her political adversaries, particularly the BJP and Congress, have been accusing her administration of failing to maintain law and order. In response, Mamata has turned the tables, blaming Congress-ruled areas for fuelling unrest and calling the entire episode an orchestrated attempt to defame her government ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

"Bengal Being Used as a Political Punching Bag"

Criticising what she termed a “campaign of misinformation”, Mamata Banerjee lamented the media coverage that focuses disproportionately on Bengal while ignoring similar protests and clashes in other states. "There is a deliberate attempt to single out Bengal, and this is being done to tarnish our image nationally," she said.

Mamata also emphasised that her government has always stood for secularism, legal justice, and minority rights, but she stressed the importance of public order and lawful resistance, urging protestors to remain non-violent.

Wider Implications of the Waqf Debate

The debate over the Waqf Amendment Act has national ramifications, particularly regarding the ownership and administration of Waqf properties, which include mosques, graveyards, dargahs, and donated land that are meant for religious or charitable purposes. Critics fear that the law enables centralisation and potentially unconstitutional appropriation of private or community land under the Waqf umbrella.

Legal experts have voiced concerns about the Act’s overreach, its vague clauses, and the lack of a robust dispute resolution mechanism. Many fear that it may trigger a spate of legal battles and communal tension across states.

Mamata’s Political Strategy and Public Mobilisation

By placing herself in opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act and asserting that Bengal is being unfairly maligned, Mamata Banerjee is also sending a strong political message. With minority voters making up a significant portion of the electorate in West Bengal, her vocal stand could help consolidate support from these communities.

She has also directed her party cadre to engage with protest groups, reassure citizens, and convey that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) stands firmly against any law that undermines constitutional rights. Simultaneously, the TMC is also preparing its legal strategy as the battle shifts to the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

As protests over the Waqf Amendment Act continue to escalate nationwide, Mamata Banerjee’s assertive stance signals her intention to challenge both the narrative and the law head-on. While tensions remain high, her focus is now on shifting the spotlight away from Bengal and onto the broader constitutional and legal questions surrounding the Waqf law.

Whether the Supreme Court will strike down or uphold the legislation remains to be seen, but for now, Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that Bengal will not be a silent spectator — and she won’t allow it to be made a political scapegoat.

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