A protest against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, turned violent in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Tuesday, leading to widespread chaos as clashes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The protest began peacefully as a large crowd gathered to voice their opposition to the new legislation. However, the situation quickly escalated when police intervened to prevent protesters from blocking a key road in the region.
In the ensuing confrontation, several vehicles were set ablaze, and stones were thrown, intensifying the already volatile situation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, was passed by both Houses of Parliament last week after a lengthy series of debates. The Act was formally enacted following the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, and it came into effect on Tuesday, April 8. The legislation is designed to address the management and regulation of Waqf properties in India, but has drawn criticism from various quarters.
BJP leader Amit Malviya swiftly condemned the violence, accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of being complicit in the unrest. "The West Bengal Police is struggling to control the violent Islamist mob rampaging through the streets of Murshidabad—possibly under instructions from Home Minister Mamata Banerjee herself. Her inflammatory speeches have directly contributed to the current unrest," Malviya said in a statement.
Malviya also claimed that internet services in the Jangipur area were “throttled” to curb the flow of information. "This is the same region that saw repeated attacks on Hindus during the recent Kartik Puja celebrations. Several trains were halted, and tensions continued to rise," he added.
In an escalating attack against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Malviya accused her of fostering a policy of Muslim appeasement that he claimed was pushing Bengal toward instability. "Mamata Banerjee’s spineless brand of appeasement is dragging Bengal dangerously close to the path of Bangladesh," he said.
The clash in Murshidabad, a district with a significant Muslim population, highlights the growing political and social tensions in the region, with the Waqf Act adding fuel to an already volatile environment.
Authorities have urged calm as efforts to restore order continue. Police forces remain deployed in the area, and internet services have been restricted to prevent further violence and misinformation. The situation in Murshidabad is being closely monitored, with more updates expected as the day progresses.
