The Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with several Muslim organisations, has intensified its opposition to the Waqf Bill in West Bengal. State Minister and senior TMC leader Siddiqullah Chowdhury addressed a large rally organised by the West Bengal unit of Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind at West Bengal’s Ramlila Maidan on April 10, where he called for the immediate withdrawal of the legislation.
During his address, Chowdhury warned that if the demands are not met, large-scale traffic disruptions could be organised in West Bengal. “If we want to create jams in West Bengal, we can easily gather 2,000 people at 50 locations across the city,” he said, suggesting peaceful sit-ins with people gathering and sharing puffed rice, jaggery, and sweets.
Chowdhury, who represents the Mangalkot constituency in Purba Bardhaman and also serves as the president of the West Bengal chapter of Jamiat-e-Ulema Hind, accused the BJP and RSS of targeting the Muslim community through the bill. However, he noted that Muslims feel safer under the TMC government in West Bengal.
He also mentioned a phone call from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during which she reportedly assured him that the Waqf Bill would not be implemented in the state. Chowdhury urged protesters to keep the movement peaceful and continue until the centre withdraws the bill. As part of the campaign, he announced that a letter opposing the bill—signed by one crore people—would be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A clip of his comments was shared on social media by BJP leader Amit Malviya, drawing national attention to the ongoing protests.
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