(MENAFN- Live Mint) Amid a notification in the Gazette of India that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Waqf Act will not be implemented in the state, reported PTI.

While addressing a programme of the Jain community in Kolkata on Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee said she will protect the minorities and their property.

Also Read | Violence in Bengal's Murshidabad over Waqf Act: Police vehicles torched

"I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together," PTI quoted her as saying.

Apart from this, she also appealed to the people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement.

Referring to the violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Murshidabad on Tuesday, she said, "See the situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh. This (Waqf Bill) should have not been passed now. We have 33 per cent of minorities in Bengal. What will I do with them?"

"History says that Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India all were together. Partition took place later. And those are living here, it's our job to give them protection," she said.

Also Read | DMK moves Supreme Court against Centre's Waqf Amendment Act

Banerjee said that if people are together, they can conquer the world.

"Some people will provoke you to assemble and launch a movement. I will appeal to all of you not to do it. Please remember when Didi (Banerjee) is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us have trust in each other," the chief minister said.

Waqf Act takes effect

On April 3, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha passed it on April 4. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday.

The government announced on Wednesday, through a gazette notification, that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 9.

Also Read | Manipur: BJP leader's house torched for supporting Waqf Amendment Act

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 (14 of 2025), the Central Government hereby appoints the 8th day of April, 2025 as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” the notification said.

With inputs from PTI.

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