In a bold move to secure the Muslim vote bank ahead of the 2026 elections, Mamata Banerjee has openly opposed the Waqf law, targeting the Modi government and rallying Muslims for unity while urging non-violence in protests
NEW DELHI — In an increasingly polarised political landscape, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has firmly positioned herself against the Modi government’s controversial Waqf Act, pledging to protect the interests of Muslims in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Her open support for the Muslim community has garnered significant attention, drawing both praise and criticism from different quarters.
On Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee met with the Imams, Muezzins, and other members of the Muslim community in a mosque in Bengal to discuss the implications of the Waqf Act. During the meeting, she expressed strong disapproval of the legislation, which she believes undermines the rights of Muslims and interferes with their religious freedoms.
“As long as I am in the government, I will not let any Hindu-Muslim violence happen. I will not allow the Waqf law to be implemented in West Bengal under any circumstances,” Mamata Banerjee assured the gathered Muslim leaders. She criticised the Modi government’s interference in religious matters, saying, “The Constitution of India is not BJP’s Constitution. They are destroying the Constitution, but I assure you, I will stand with you against this law.”
Mamata has consistently sought to position herself as the protector of Muslims in West Bengal, especially in light of the increasing tension surrounding the Waqf law and other issues affecting the community. Her support comes at a time when the BJP has stepped up its rhetoric against what it perceives as “Muslim appeasement” by Mamata’s Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Mamata’s stance against the Waqf law is also a clear challenge to the BJP, which has repeatedly criticised her for what they call her “Muslim appeasement” policies. The BJP has accused Mamata Banerjee of prioritising the Muslim vote bank at the expense of the state’s majority Hindu population. While this criticism has been a hallmark of the BJP’s strategy to consolidate Hindu votes, Mamata has remained resolute in her defence of the Muslim community.
“I will appeal to the India Alliance to stand united and fight together against this interference,” Mamata continued, referring to the potential impact of the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) after the Waqf Act. “This is not just a Muslim issue; everyone in the country will be affected by it. We must all oppose it together.”
Despite her clear support for the Muslim community, Mamata has urged the public to refrain from violent protests, highlighting the importance of peaceful demonstrations. “We must fight for our rights, but we must do so peacefully,” she added, calling for calm amid the rising tensions in the state.
Mamata Banerjee’s outreach to Muslims and her opposition to the Waqf law are part of a broader strategy to secure her hold on the crucial Muslim vote in West Bengal. With approximately 30% of the electorate being Muslim, and a significant concentration of Muslim voters in key districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, and North Dinajpur, Mamata is well aware of the importance of this demographic in securing victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.
However, while her support for Muslims may strengthen her position within this community, it could also lead to backlash from Hindu voters. The BJP is already accusing Mamata of appeasing Muslims at the cost of alienating Hindus, a tactic that has worked for the party in other states. The party’s narrative of “Muslim appeasement” has proved successful in polarising voters, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, where the BJP’s anti-Muslim rhetoric helped them win crucial elections.
BJP spokespersons have already accused Mamata Banerjee of contributing to the “polarisation” of Bengal’s politics by prioritising Muslim interests. “This is nothing but an attempt to create a Muslim-dominated vote bank to stay in power. It is a dangerous game,” said a BJP leader, criticising Mamata’s approach.
While Mamata Banerjee has been vocal in her opposition to the BJP and its policies, her tactics have raised questions about her political motivations. Critics argue that Mamata is playing a “double game,” speaking out against the BJP on one hand, while ensuring that the Congress and Left parties remain in a difficult position when it comes to appealing to Muslim voters.
The Left has already criticised Mamata for her handling of the Murshidabad violence, while Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has also raised concerns. Despite this, Mamata continues to distance herself from both parties, hoping to consolidate her position as the primary champion of Muslim rights in Bengal.
Mamata’s ability to appeal to the Muslim vote comes at a cost for Congress and the Left, who have traditionally relied on Muslim support in Bengal. The Left, in particular, has faced criticism for failing to effectively challenge Mamata’s rising influence among the Muslim community. While Mamata’s position has provided her with an opportunity to unite Muslims behind her, it also puts Congress and the Left in a difficult position. The fear of alienating Hindu voters by opposing Mamata’s Muslim-friendly policies is a real concern for both parties, especially as they struggle to maintain relevance in the face of the BJP’s growing influence.
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, Mamata Banerjee’s focus on the Muslim vote could prove to be a double-edged sword. While it may strengthen her base among Muslims, it could also alienate enough Hindu voters to hurt her chances in a close race. With the BJP’s aggressive campaigning and the rising influence of Hindutva, Mamata’s gamble on Muslim support may either solidify her position as a champion of religious minorities or backfire if it leads to the loss of crucial Hindu votes.
The next few months will be crucial for Mamata Banerjee as she attempts to navigate the complex landscape of communal politics in West Bengal. How she balances her support for Muslims with the potential alienation of Hindu voters will likely determine her political future in the state.
