Hubli (Karnataka) [India], April 13: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday asserted that the newly enacted Waqf Amendment Act is a central law and must be implemented by all states, regardless of political opposition. His remarks come in the wake of growing resistance from several non-BJP ruled states, including West Bengal and Karnataka.
“It is a central law, and whatever has been done till now, has been done… everyone has to implement it, there is no option,” Joshi told the media in Hubli.
His statement directly responds to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who earlier criticized the Act, calling for calm among the Muslim community. Speaking at the ‘Navkar Mahamantra Divas’ on Wednesday, Banerjee appealed, “I know you are pained by the Waqf Amendment Act, but have faith. There will be no divide and rule in Bengal. Let’s spread the message of ‘live and let live.’”
Condemning recent violence in Murshidabad linked to protests against the Act, Joshi accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, alleging targeted killings of Hindus. “The situation must be brought under control. Everyone has to implement the Act—there’s no question about it,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan reiterated the state’s strong opposition, declaring that Karnataka will not implement the Waqf Amendment Act. “We stand with Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala on this issue. The law will not be implemented in Karnataka,” he said, expressing hope that the courts will address the community’s concerns.
Tensions escalated in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district and Jangipur, where violent protests broke out. Demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire. According to West Bengal Police, three people were killed in the unrest on Friday.
Following a Calcutta High Court directive, the Border Security Force (BSF) deployed five companies to assist local law enforcement. IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat confirmed the deployment. So far, 150 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.