The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) staged a protest on Tuesday at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. The Board demanded the withdrawal of the bill, which it believes threatens the protection of Waqf properties. Government leaders, however, have stated that the country will operate according to the law, with the Waqf Bill expected to be presented in Parliament during the second half of the current Budget session.
AIMPLB's strong opposition to bill
AIMPLB Vice-President, Ubaidullah Azmi, emphasised the importance of protecting religious affairs as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. He stated, “Just as prayer and fasting are important for us, protecting Waqf properties is equally crucial. The government should have acted against those encroaching upon Waqf land, but instead, it has introduced a law that enables the government to take control of Waqf properties.”
Azmi further criticised the government’s actions, saying, “India was not accepted based on subordination but on loyalty. This land does not belong to anyone's ancestors. We have sacrificed for this land, and we will continue to do so.” He warned that if the bill is not repealed, Muslims, under the leadership of the AIMPLB, would be ready to make any sacrifice the nation asks for.
BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya expressed support for the amendments to the Waqf Board Bill, stating, "We are supporting, not opposing, the amendments; they should happen, and the limitations should be addressed. Muslims are also at a loss." He shared a personal anecdote to highlight the issue, saying, "I request everyone to visit the Waqf Board lands. A farmer stopped farming due to a lack of irrigation, went out for a job, and when he returned, he found a Waqf Board's board on his land. It’s just a 'land jihad.' With the Bill, the Muslim community will benefit."
Police presence at Jantar Mantar
In response to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar against the Waqf Amendment Bill, a significant police force was deployed to maintain order, leading to the detention of several protesters. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also joined the protest, showing solidarity with the AIMPLB's stance against the Waqf Amendment Bill. Police detain people protesting at Jantar Mantar.
BJP accuses AIMPLB of inciting violence
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the AIMPLB of using the Waqf Amendment Bill as an excuse to incite unrest and polarise voters. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the AIMPLB and its political allies, including Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party, and AIMIM, claiming they were trying to inflame communal tensions. He asked, "Has the Constitution given the Jain and Christian communities the same Waqf-like powers? Why should Waqf have unlimited control over property?"
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal asserted, "This country runs on law." Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed concerns over the politicisation of the issue, calling it unfortunate. She stated that her party's Arvind Sawant was part of the committee discussing the bill, and the party would continue to voice its position on the matter.
Opposition reacts
Congress MP Imran Masood, speaking at the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, criticized the Union government's move to amend the law, stating, "The law of 1995 was complete in itself. If there were any lapses, the government should have addressed them, but instead, they changed it entirely... They will completely ruin it."
Congress MP from Kishanganj, Mohammad Jawaid, joined the protest by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) against the Waqf Bill, stating, "The law they want to pass is totally unconstitutional, which is why everyone is concerned. It is a responsible organization, facing immense pressure from society, and they are protesting to make the government aware of their pain."
Congress leader Tariq Anwar defended the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) amid its opposition to the Waqf Bill, stating, "AIMPLB is an organization, and any organization has the right to present their views democratically. They want to put forward their views to the government today, and I don’t think anyone should have a problem with that. Everyone has the right to protest."