Protests broke out at Park Circus Crossing in Kolkata on April 4 following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by both Houses of Parliament. Members of the minority community, supported by several minority organisations, staged demonstrations demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation.
The Bill, passed in the Rajya Sabha on April 4 after a 13-hour-long debate, received 128 votes in favour and 95 against. It had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha on April 3 with 288 members supporting and 232 opposing the motion.
Protesters alleged that the Bill was an attempt by the ruling BJP to target Muslim properties and marginalise the community.
“This Bill is a ploy to divide the nation. It reflects an authoritarian mindset and seeks to undermine the rights of Muslims under the guise of reform,” said one of the demonstrators.
The protest led to significant traffic disruptions in the Park Circus area as hundreds took to the streets.
CM Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the BJP for introducing the legislation. She accused the central government of attempting to polarise the country and pledged to reverse the law when the regime changes. “Once a new government is formed after removing the current one, we will bring an amendment to nullify this Bill.”
Opposition parties also voiced strong objections during the parliamentary debate, terming the legislation “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.”