Urging all political parties to abide by the Constitution, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee said her party members are fighting for the Waqf properties and said that the “jumla party” wants to divide the people.
“ …the Jumla party has one point program to divide the country. They believe only divide and rule policy, which we do not. First respect the Constitution and then think about snatching rights of someone,” Ms. Banerjee said.
The Chief Minister has often referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party as the “Jumla party”.
The remarks by Trinamool Congress came on the day when Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday (April 2, 2025) tabled The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as proposed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage.
Trinamool Congress MP from Serampore Kalyan Banerjee opposed The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 while participating in the debate in Parliament.
Speaking about the Bill, Ms. Banerjee said, “We should all respect the Constitution first. Always remember, religion is for everyone, festivals are for everyone. I listen to the sermons of Shri Krishna. I read the sermons and writings of Swami Vivekananda, Netaji, Gandhiji, Ambedkar, Abul Kalam Azad and Ramakrishna. If someone’s actions are inhuman, then they cannot respect any religion. I respect all religions.”
‘Maintain peace during Ram Navami’
The Chief Minister also touched on the issue of the proposed Ram Navami celebrations and urged all communities to maintain peace during Ram Navami. She urged people not to pay heed to any rumours. Ms. Banerjee on Monday (March 31, 2025) participated in the annual Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Kolkata’s Red Road and claimed that the Opposition parties in West Bengal, “Ram and Baam” are trying to incite riots.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari once again raised a pitch for the Ram Navami celebrations and urged Hindus to “show their strength” by participating in the processions.
The Police Commissioner of Kolkata, Manoj Verma, visited multiple locations in Sealdah, Entally and Tangra and took stock of Ram Navami preparations. The Commissioner wanted to see first-hand if CCTVs were functional in these areas and spoke to Divisional DCs to audit security requirements for next Sunday and finalise the routes.
In Howrah, senior police officials visited various spots and took stock of preparations for the festival. A senior police official said that while processions will be permitted, music will not be allowed to be played on loudspeakers.
Published – April 03, 2025 06:23 am IST
