waqf-can-be-taken-up-in-assembly-on-wb-govt-s-order-speaker

Amid growing unrest in parts of West Bengal over the amended Waqf Act, Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, Biman Banerjee, on Monday said that if the state government wants, the matter can be discussed in the House and even a resolution opposing the Act could be introduced.

 

Banerjee made this statement while attending a tribute program at the Assembly on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

 

During the event, the MLA from Baruipur West expressed concern over the ongoing protests, demonstrations and clashes triggered by the amendment to the Waqf Act.

 

“If any proposal comes in the Assembly, then it can be discussed. Just like we observe and discuss Constitution Day, the government can also bring any such proposal for discussion in the Assembly,” said Banerjee.

 

Following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Act in both Houses of Parliament, there have been calls within the state for legislative opposition. State minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury had earlier urged chief minister Mamata Banerjee to bring a resolution in the Assembly against the amended law. Similarly, Bhangar ISF MLA Naushad Siddiqui has written to the Chief Minister demanding that such a resolution be introduced.

 

However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shobhandeb Chatterjee clarified that the final decision on the matter would rest with the chief minister.

 

While the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has now become law at the national level, legal experts note that state governments are not obliged to implement it. They may also choose to oppose it by passing a resolution in the state Assembly and forwarding it to the President as a formal expression of dissent.

 

Mamata has already made her stand clear, asserting that she will not permit the amended Waqf Act to be implemented in West Bengal.

 

This would not be the first time the West Bengal Assembly has taken such a step. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has previously passed resolutions opposing central policies, including the CAA and NRC, as well as the alleged misuse of central agencies like the CBI and ED against opposition-led states.