In a recent press conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh did not mince words when addressing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Chugh accused Banerjee of misleading the public, going as far as likening her and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party to the pre-independence Muslim League, insinuating that they are playing a role similar to that of the controversial historical organization.
Chugh’s criticism of Banerjee did not stop there. He took aim at her recent statement indicating that she would not allow the Waqf Act to be implemented in West Bengal, calling her the “new Jinnah of India.” Drawing parallels between Banerjee’s actions and those of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Chugh implied that Banerjee’s approach was sowing discord and spreading falsehoods.
During a workshop organized by the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samman Abhiyan in Patna, Chugh emphasized the importance of upholding the federal structure of the country and respecting the decisions made by the Parliament. He highlighted that the Waqf Act has been enacted and enforced nationwide, questioning Banerjee’s refusal to implement it in West Bengal.
Chugh further criticized Banerjee’s supposed secular facade, accusing her of using the mask of secularism for political gain. He also took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for labeling the Waqf Act as “anti-Muslim,” dismissing Gandhi’s stance as uninformed and misguided.
Turning his attention to the Congress and its allies, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Chugh launched a scathing attack on what he termed the ‘Indi’ alliance. He accused these parties of betraying the rights of backward and deprived sections of society, citing historical opposition to key reports and commissions aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
The BJP leader’s critique extended to the legacy of the Congress and its treatment of social justice icons like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Chugh highlighted instances where Congress leaders, including Rajiv Gandhi, opposed reservation policies and questioned the party’s commitment to the welfare of Dalits and backward classes.
In a bold move, Chugh called out Lalu Prasad Yadav, questioning his alignment with the Congress despite his past involvement in movements against authoritarianism. He accused the Congress of undermining democracy and holding the country hostage during its rule, painting a grim picture of the party’s history.
As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, Chugh’s comments underscore the deep-seated divisions and ideological clashes that persist within the country’s political sphere. Amidst accusations of betrayal, manipulation, and historical revisionism, the future of Indian politics remains uncertain, with key figures like Chugh and Banerjee at the center of a contentious debate.
