TMC rift deepens over Waqf Bill protest as Minority cell President rejects rally, criticizes Firhad Hakim

An internal dispute has surfaced within the Trinamool Congress ahead of the party's planned protest against the Waqf Bill on Saturday. Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the president of the party’s Minority Cell and a state minister, has confirmed he will not attend the rally due to prior commitments, specifically his participation in a book fair in North Bengal. Chowdhury made clear that he had informed Firhad Hakim, a senior leader and Kolkata mayor, of his inability to attend due to this scheduling conflict.

Chowdhury’s decision to opt out of the protest has raised questions about internal communication within the party, particularly regarding its approach to minority issues. He stated that he was not consulted regarding the planning of the protest, a point he emphasized when explaining his absence from the rally.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a significant Muslim organization, has also scheduled a separate event related to the Waqf Bill, further complicating the political landscape. Chowdhury praised the Jamiat for its efforts to protect Muslim rights, calling the organization the leading entity in advocating for the community's interests. His comments suggest a divergence in approach between his position and that of other factions within Trinamool, especially concerning the handling of minority issues.

In addition, Chowdhury made a pointed remark about Firhad Hakim, stating that while Hakim holds a senior political position, his organization is more effective in addressing Muslim rights. This criticism highlights the growing tensions between Trinamool’s senior and junior leadership, particularly in how the party addresses the concerns of the Muslim community.

The internal divisions within the party are not limited to this issue. Recently, MLA Humayun Kabir accused senior party leaders of marginalizing Abhishek Banerjee, which resulted in Kabir being issued a show-cause notice by the party. This ongoing discord adds to the challenges facing the leadership of Trinamool Congress as it navigates internal divisions while preparing for future elections.