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Congress says Waqf Bill part of BJP’s strategy to damage harmony

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is an assault on the Constitution of India itself. It seeks to demonize minority communities, dilute constitutional guarantees of equal rights, and defame their traditions and institutions to keep society perpetually divided for political benefits,” he said.

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1 year ago

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The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accusing the BJP of undermining social harmony and targeting minority communities for electoral gains.

In a strongly worded statement, Congress general secretary in-charge communication Jairam Ramesh alleged that the bill is designed to polarize society and weaken the administrative framework of waqf institutions.

Ramesh claimed that the bill, which was reportedly pushed through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) without detailed clause-by-clause discussions, violates parliamentary norms and poses a threat to India’s constitutional values.

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is an assault on the Constitution of India itself. It seeks to demonize minority communities, dilute constitutional guarantees of equal rights, and defame their traditions and institutions to keep society perpetually divided for political benefits,” he said.

The Congress leader outlined five key concerns with the proposed amendments:

  1. Weakening of Waqf Institutions: Ramesh argued that the bill aims to diminish the authority and stature of national and state waqf boards and tribunals, effectively stripping minority communities of their right to manage their religious and cultural affairs.
  2. Ambiguity in Waqf Definition: The bill allegedly alters the definition of waqf, creating confusion over who can donate land for waqf purposes. Ramesh criticized the removal of the “waqf-by-user” concept, which was established by judicial precedent to protect long-standing customary practices.
  3. Erosion of Existing Protections: The Congress accused the government of removing crucial provisions from the current law without justification, thereby weakening the administration of waqf properties.
  4. Encroachment Defenses: Ramesh claimed that the bill introduces measures to protect individuals who have illegally occupied waqf lands, undermining efforts to reclaim such properties.
  5. Excessive Powers to Government Officials: The bill reportedly grants sweeping authority to collectors and other government officials to derecognize waqf properties based on complaints or allegations, even before a final decision is reached.

Ramesh emphasized that these changes would allow state government officers to unilaterally derecognize waqf properties, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary decisions. “Officers will now have the power to derecognize any waqf on mere allegations, treating the property as government-owned until proven otherwise,” he said.

The Congress’s criticism comes amid speculation that the government may introduce the Waqf Bill for passage in Parliament following the approval of the Finance Bill. The party has called for a thorough review of the proposed amendments, urging the government to prioritize social harmony and uphold constitutional principles.

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Mamata beater Suvendu Adhikari set to become next West Bengal CM

Suvendu Adhikari emerged as the BJP’s choice for West Bengal Chief Minister after the party’s legislature meeting in Kolkata following its historic Assembly election victory.

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58 mins ago

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May 8, 2026

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Suvendu-Adhikari

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is set to become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal after being elected leader of the BJP legislature party during a key meeting in Kolkata on Thursday.

The development comes days after the BJP secured a decisive victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress’ long rule in the state. Party leaders met in the presence of senior central leadership to finalise the chief ministerial face ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 9.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the legislature party meeting where Adhikari’s name was formally announced. Reports said the BJP leadership backed him after he emerged as the party’s strongest face in Bengal politics over the past few years.

Adhikari played a major role in the BJP’s campaign across the state and remained one of the party’s most aggressive leaders against the ruling Trinamool Congress. He also defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the Assembly elections, strengthening his position within the party.

The BJP’s victory is being viewed as a major political shift in West Bengal, where the party is set to form its first government. Adhikari, once a senior Trinamool Congress leader, had joined the BJP before the 2021 Assembly elections and later became Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

Following the announcement, celebrations were reported outside Adhikari’s residence in East Midnapore, with party workers distributing sweets and raising slogans in support of the BJP leader.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government is expected to take place in Kolkata on May 9, where Adhikari will officially assume charge as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

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Suvendu Adhikari emerges frontrunner for Bengal Chief Minister post

Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the leading candidate for the West Bengal Chief Minister post as BJP prepares to form its first government in the state. Reports suggest the new cabinet may also include two deputy chief ministers.

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6 hours ago

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May 8, 2026

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BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the leading contender for the post of Chief Minister in West Bengal as the party prepares to form its first government in the state following its Assembly election victory.

The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Kolkata to elect its leader, a decision that is expected to formally determine the next Chief Minister. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Kolkata ahead of the meeting and is overseeing the selection process.

Sources cited in media reports suggest the new BJP-led government may also appoint two deputy chief ministers, a post that has remained vacant in West Bengal for nearly two decades. One of the deputy CM positions could reportedly go to a woman leader. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul is among the names being discussed for the role.

Another deputy chief minister could be chosen from north Bengal, with former Union minister Nisith Pramanik being seen as a possible contender, according to reports. There is also speculation that the BJP leadership may consider a representative from the tribal community for a senior cabinet role.

Adhikari, who played a key role in the BJP’s election campaign, defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the recently concluded Assembly elections. The BJP secured a two-thirds majority in the 294-member Assembly, paving the way for its first government in West Bengal.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is expected to take place on May 9 in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are expected to attend the event.

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West Bengal BJP government set for oath ceremony as suspense over new CM continues

The BJP is preparing to form its first government in West Bengal after securing a massive Assembly election victory, with the new Chief Minister expected to be chosen during a legislature party meeting in Kolkata.

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11 hours ago

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May 8, 2026

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The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in West Bengal after its decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled for May 9 in Kolkata, while suspense continues over the party’s Chief Ministerial choice.

According to reports, the BJP legislature party is expected to meet on Friday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to elect its leader formally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post following the BJP’s strong performance in the elections. Other names reportedly under consideration include Samik Bhattacharya, Sukanta Majumdar and Swapan Dasgupta.

The political developments come a day after Governor RN Ravi dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and state cabinet following the completion of the Assembly election process. The dissolution order was issued under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution after outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to submit her resignation despite the Trinamool Congress losing power.

The BJP secured a clear majority in the 294-member Assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state. The election outcome marks a major political shift in West Bengal, where the BJP is set to form a government for the first time.

Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are underway at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, where senior BJP leaders and party supporters are expected to gather for the event.

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