‘I will become an extremist to protect Waqf’: TMC leader’s remark triggers major political storm in Bengal

A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Wajedul Haq, president of the Bengali Minority Intellectual Forum of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), made a provocative statement on the Waqf issue, claiming that he would not hesitate to adopt an “extreme” or even “militant” stance to protect Waqf properties.

Haq’s remarks, which surfaced on social media and quickly went viral, have triggered widespread criticism, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) accusing the ruling TMC of openly inciting Muslims towards violence under the pretext of safeguarding Waqf assets.

“I Will Become an Extremist”: What the TMC Leader Said

Speaking on the contentious issue of Waqf and recent debates surrounding reforms and state compliance with the Centre’s amended law, Wajedul Haq said that if radicalism or militancy was required to protect Waqf, he would be prepared to take that path.

“If becoming an extremist is necessary to protect the Waqf, then I too will become an extremist and fight. If one has to become a militant to defend Waqf, I will do that as well,” Haq said.

The statement immediately drew attention due to its strong language and explicit reference to militancy, raising concerns over communal harmony and political responsibility in a state that has already witnessed multiple flashpoints over religious and land-related issues.

Reacting sharply, Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused the Trinamool Congress of encouraging radicalisation and questioned the silence of the state leadership.

In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Bansal said the comments amounted to an open call for violence.

“See yourself what this TMC leader is saying, ‘If one has to become a militant to protect Waqf, then I will become a militant too and fight.’ He is none other than Wajedul Haque, the President of Bengali Minority Intellectual Forum of Trinamool Congress. Is Trinamool now inciting Muslims towards violence and terrorism?” Bansal wrote.
The VHP spokesperson directly tagged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding an immediate response and clarification from her on whether the party endorsed such remarks.

Political Fallout Amid Waqf Act Implementation

The controversy has gained further traction as it comes at a sensitive time when the West Bengal government has recently agreed to implement the Centre’s Waqf Amendment Act, signalling a notable shift after months of resistance and Centre–state tensions.

The amended law aims to bring greater transparency, digitisation, and accountability in the management of Waqf properties across the country. In West Bengal, the decision is expected to impact thousands of Waqf estates, many of which have long been mired in allegations of mismanagement, illegal occupation, and political patronage.

While supporters of the reform argue that it will curb corruption and ensure proper utilisation of religious endowments, critics within minority groups fear increased state intervention and dilution of community control, sentiments that appear to have fueled Haq’s controversial remarks.

Opposition parties and Hindu organisations have seized upon the statement to accuse the Mamata Banerjee-led government of pursuing “appeasement politics” at the cost of law and order.

They argue that such rhetoric from a senior functionary of a ruling party-affiliated forum normalises extremist language and sends a dangerous signal, especially in a politically volatile state like West Bengal.

The BJP, which has repeatedly accused the TMC of shielding radical elements, is expected to raise the issue both politically and legally, with demands for action against Haq under relevant sections of law.

Silence from TMC Leadership So Far

As of late Monday night, the Trinamool Congress leadership had not issued any official statement distancing the party from Haq’s comments or clarifying its position. The absence of an immediate response has further intensified criticism, with detractors questioning whether the remarks reflect an individual’s view or a broader ideological posture within sections of the party.

With communal sensitivities high and political stakes even higher, the row over Wajedul Haq’s statement is unlikely to die down soon. Calls for legal action, demands for party accountability, and wider debates over Waqf reforms and political rhetoric are expected to dominate West Bengal’s political discourse in the coming days.

Credit : Organiser Weekly