Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 13 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement on the Waqf Amendment Act, emphasizing that laws passed by the Indian Parliament are applicable to the entire country and must be followed by all states.

'If any law is passed by the Indian Parliament, it is for the whole country, and every state has to follow it,' CM Sai told ANI.

On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that there will be 'no divide and rule' in the State under her watch. She added that people from the Muslim community are 'pained' by the Waqf Amendment Act, but she appealed to them not to be swayed by the political provocation.

'I want to tell the people from the minority community that I know that you are pained by the Waqf Amendment Act but have faith that there will be no divide and rule in Bengal. You should give the message of live and let live,' Mamata Banerjee said while speaking at the 'Navkar Mahamantra Divas' program here.

'It is our work to give protection to those who are living in Bengal. I appeal to you all that if anyone provokes you politically to assemble, then please don't do it. Please remember that Didi will protect you and your property. If we stay together, then we can conquer the world,' she added.

She said that some people are attempting to defame Bengal.

'Our aim is to unite, not divide. When we stay united, the country will progress. Our policy is to live and let live peacefully. Some people are defaming Bengal, saying that I don't give protection to the Hindu religion in the state. Then who gives protection to all? I must give credit to the minorities in Bengal who also celebrate Hindu festivals in the state. I am proud to say this is Bengal,' she said.

Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister also extended greetings on the eve of the birth anniversary of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar and highlighted his contribution and history.

The Chief Minister said that despite being born in Dalit family, Dr Ambedkar found his way and secured education in America.

Chief Minister Sai is also took part in a 'Jai Bhim Padayatra' today from 7 am onwards to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar in Raipur.

Speaking to reporters, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said, '...We have organised this padyatra to celebrate Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar... Congress, the party that has finished in the country, talks about the constitution, but many times, they tried to destroy the constitution. They made many amendments in the constitution wrongly...'

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya will also lead 'Jai Bhim Padyatra' in Patna, Bihar on April 13 where over 10,000 MY Bharat volunteers are expected to participate, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said on Saturday.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said that similar padyatras will take place simultaneously across all major state capitals in India.

'This marks the first time a nationwide padyatra is being conducted across state capitals, uniting thousands of youth in a collective tribute to Babasaheb's vision of equality, justice, and fraternity,' an official statement said.

April 14 is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. (ANI)