Kolkata, 10 December (H.S.): Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of “deliberately spreading misinformation” on issues related to the Waqf Amendment Bill, the ‘Ummeed’ portal registration process, and recent incidents of communal tension in the state.

Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters, Adhikari alleged that the Chief Minister has caused “maximum damage” to the Muslim community in Bengal through “confusion, misinformation, and administrative negligence.”

Adhikari claimed that despite the Centre holding four stakeholder meetings in Lucknow and Delhi—where representatives of the West Bengal government were present—the state raised no objections to the Waqf Bill. “After returning to Bengal, the Chief Minister began making false and misleading claims,” he said.

Regarding the ‘Ummeed’ portal for uploading Waqf property records, Adhikari said the Centre had repeatedly written to the state government since October, but no adequate action was taken. As a result, he warned that with the December 6 deadline having passed, several Waqf properties in Bengal may now face legal complications.

“Registration across the country progressed swiftly, but West Bengal lagged behind due to political reasons. This will ultimately harm the Muslim community,” he stated.

On the issue of communal disturbances, Adhikari alleged that “provocative statements” made by the Chief Minister and Trinamool leaders over the Waqf issue triggered violence, arson, looting, and displacement in areas such as Murshidabad, Samsherganj, Dhulian, and Beldanga. He further claimed that the administration attempted to suppress information about these incidents, while the Chief Minister “aggravated the situation instead of calming it.”

Adhikari concluded by saying that the state government’s failure to present its views during crucial meetings has left Waqf properties in uncertainty and “pushed the Muslim community into crisis.” He demanded that Trinamool leaders and prominent religious figures respond to the facts he presented.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh