March 17, New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) led a significant protest in the capital on Monday against the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament during the ongoing budget session. The demonstration saw participation from Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to several opposition parties, who voiced strong objections to the bill, calling it unconstitutional and divisive.
What is the Waqf Bill?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the existing Waqf Act, which governs the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. Waqf refers to Islamic endowments or charitable trusts, often used for religious, educational, or social purposes. The proposed amendments have raised concerns among Muslim groups, who fear that the changes could undermine their rights to manage these properties independently.
Opposition Leaders Voice Concerns
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi issued a stern warning to NDA allies, including the TDP, JDU, and LJP (Ramvilas), stating that Muslims would not forgive them if they supported the bill. “Waqf grants Muslims the same rights that other religions enjoy over their institutions. If every faith has the right to administer its affairs, why are Muslims being singled out?” questioned AIMPLB’s Syed Sadatullah Husaini.
Congress leader and former minority affairs minister Salman Khurshid argued that the bill lacks constitutional validity. He emphasized that the proposed amendments could infringe upon the rights of the Muslim community to manage their religious and charitable properties.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized the government for rejecting suggestions from opposition members of the joint parliamentary committee reviewing the bill. “It shows the government does not want to resolve any issue but just wants to create a divide in society,” Gogoi said.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Dharmendra Yadav echoed similar sentiments, stating, “By rejecting all suggestions from the opposition, the government has shown its true intentions. We are against this bill.”
TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha accused the government of engaging in divisive politics. “If they force this bill through using their brute majority, there will be widespread protests,” he warned.
Growing Tensions
The protest highlights growing tensions over the proposed amendments, with Muslim groups and opposition parties accusing the government of targeting the community’s religious autonomy. Critics argue that the bill could set a dangerous precedent by interfering with the management of Waqf properties, which have historically been governed by Muslim boards.
As the debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill intensifies, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of the Muslim community and opposition leaders. The bill’s fate in Parliament remains uncertain, but its introduction has already sparked a fierce political and social debate.
Get more News Headlines On Our Social Platforms And Do Follow.
