"Sad that violence over Waqf Act is happening only in West Bengal": BJP's Sudhanshu Trivedi slams Mamata Banerjee

Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 12 (ANI): Amid violence that broke out in West Bengal's Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Saturday accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of turning the issue into a national concern.
Speaking to ANI, Trivedi highlighted that Waqf Amendment Act has successfully passed all the stages of parliamentary procedures, however, opposition is busy in politicising the legislation for its own gains.
"After completing all the constitutional procedures in a systematic manner, the Waqf Bill came to the Parliament and then went to the JPC. The JPC discussed it in detail, then both the Houses passed it, and after the President's signature, it became a law. But still, some people are trying to do politics in it. It is sad that this is happening only in West Bengal; this in itself raises the question that Mamata Banerjee's politics seems to be moving towards becoming a challenge for the whole of India in the future," BJP's Trivedi said.
Violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on Tuesday during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in stone-pelting and torched police vehicles.
However, West Bengal Police announced on Saturday that the situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur, Murshidabad district, is now under control.
Taking to X, West Bengal police posted, "The situation in Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur is now under control. The unruly mob has been dispersed by effective police action. Traffic has returned to normalcy on the national highway. Strict action will be taken against those who have resorted to violence. Raids are being conducted to arrest the troublemakers. Legal action will also be initiated against rumour-mongers trying to spread misinformation. We request all not to heed rumours and keep calm."
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 8 (Tuesday). After a 12-hour discussion, the Upper House cleared the bill with 128 members voting in favour, whereas 95 members voted against the legislation.
The act aims to modify the Waqf Act, 1995 and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013. The 1995 act and the 2013 amendment laid out rules to govern the Waqf properties in India; created special courts (called Waqf Tribunals) with powers similar to civil courts (Tribunal decisions cannot be challenged in civil courts); and prohibited the sale of Waqf properties. (ANI)