The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) will stage a significant protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at Delhi's Jantar Mantar today. Many Members of Parliament have been invited to join this demonstration. With the Parliament session beginning post-Holi, a raucous debate is expected. This protest is significant as it was previously postponed due to the Parliament not being in session.
Recently, the AIMPLB announced that on March 17, it will protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at Jantar Mantar. Initially, this protest was to take place on March 13 but was deferred due to the Holi festival.
'Will Move to Further Action if Demands Are Not Met'
Before the protest, the AIMPLB stated that various Muslim organizations, along with them, will participate. From Jantar Mantar, they will convey that if their demands are unmet, they will escalate their actions.
The AIMPLB highlighted concerns voiced by delegates from different states, emphasizing ancestral connections to the land. They termed it an attack on homes, land, and mosques. During Holi, the mosques were veiled. They deem it a black law that should not be enforced. If there are any anomalies, the government should investigate. The law also proposes including members from other religions.
The board further stated that the Magistrate will receive more powers, which goes against their rights. Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, and AIMPLB, along with representatives of opposition parties, will join the protest at Jantar Mantar. JPC members are also invited.
Benefits for Muslims
Before AIMPLB's protest, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale remarked, "I believe Narendra Modi's government aims for unity between Hindus and Muslims. Their administration has provided reservations to economically weaker sections, inclusive of Muslims. Schemes like Jan Dhan, housing, Ujjwala, and Ayushman Bharat include benefits for the Muslim community."
He added that the NDA government does not discriminate between Hindus and Muslims. The Waqf Board's lands were under limited control, disproportionally affecting the Muslim community. The passing bill should aid the underprivileged Muslims.
MPs Invited to Protest
The board's spokesperson, SQR Ilyas, noted that several MPs have been invited to the protest. Announcing the sit-in, the AIMPLB spokesperson revealed the board's extensive deliberations concluded that the proposed law paves the way for seizing Waqf properties and is a direct assault on Muslims.
Ilyas mentioned their expectation from the Joint Parliamentary Committee to consider their suggestions, which were disregarded, as were proposed amendments by opposition parties.
Millions Share Feedback
AIMPLB conveyed over 36 million responses to the parliamentary panel via email. The spokesperson stated the bill showcases discrimination by suggesting non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and councils — a provision absent in managing Hindu and Sikh funds.
AIMPLB's statement, delivered by Secretary General Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi and Ilyas, lamented that despite widespread representation and millions of emails sent opposing the bill, the government refused reconsideration and made the Bill more stringent and controversial.
They referenced the repealed farm laws, passed without farmers' consultation, which were retracted post persistent protests.
The statement underscored a nationwide campaign against the bill by AIMPLB.
They claimed that the 31-member Joint Committee dominated by the ruling party, only added superficial amendments and made the bill stricter, ignoring rightful objections and 44 amendments proposed by opposition members.
Meetings with BJP Allies
The AIMPLB reached out to opposition leaders and BJP allies to discuss the bill's concerns for the Muslim community.
Under Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi's leadership, a high-level delegation met with Telugu Desam Party head and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada.
The delegation presented community concerns regarding the bill to Naidu, who promised a review.
Also Met JDU Chief
The AIMPLB delegation met JDU chief Nitish Kumar, seeking his support, to which Kumar responded similarly to Naidu.
AIMPLB asked parties like TDP, JDU, RLD, and LJP (Ram Vilas) not to support the bill, emphasizing expectations for them to consider minority welfare.
Mujaddidi indicated that failure to do so would require re-evaluating future actions concerning those parties.
Bill Introduced Previously
The Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced in Lok Sabha on August 8 last year, was immediately sent to a JPC. Opposition criticized it as a violation of Muslim community's religious rights, while ruling BJP asserted the amendments would enhance transparency and accountability of the Waqf board operations.
