look news india
Kolkata, 21 November (HS). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is preparing to introduce a new bill related to Waqf in the upcoming winter session of the West Bengal Assembly. The ministry has become active in collecting information about this proposed bill.
According to an official, the Kolkata-based Central Intelligence Department has informed Delhi about this bill. After this the Home Ministry has demanded the draft of this bill. The ministry has tried to know what are the provisions regarding Waqf properties in this bill and whether it is against the Centre’s proposed Waqf Amendment Act 2024. Additionally, it has also been asked whether this bill includes special announcements for minorities.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling it against the federal structure and the basic principles of the Constitution. Trinamool Congress has termed this bill brought by the Center as divisive and a violation of the rights of minorities.
The West Bengal government is planning to introduce its Waqf Bill in the winter session of the Assembly starting from November 25. In this regard, the Chief Minister has discussed with Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee. There is also a possibility that a Muslim MLA will be given the responsibility to introduce the bill.
Trinamool Congress has described the Centre’s Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 as weakening the rights of minorities and an attack on the autonomy of the states. Trinamool MPs have opposed this bill in Parliament and the Joint Committee. Trinamool says that the central government wants more powers over the Waqf Board, which is against the federal structure.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is keeping a close eye on this bill in the Assembly. Party MLAs have indicated that they will oppose the state government’s bill. Due to this, there is a possibility of conflict between the ruling party and the opposition in the assembly.