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NATION POLITICS

Waqf Amendment Bill: BJP-Congress Face-Off, AIMPLB’s Jantar Mantar Protest, Opposition Unites, Owaisi Calls for Repeal

The Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked a fierce political battle, with AIMPLB leading protests at Jantar Mantar. Opposition parties, including Congress, have united against the bill, while Owaisi demands its repeal.

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Waqf Amendment Bill

Photograph: X (formerly Twitter)

The opposition's protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill has gained momentum, with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) set to stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi today. Several Muslim organisations and social groups from across the country are expected to participate, alongside many opposition MPs.

The AIMPLB had already announced this protest earlier, highlighting concerns over the Waqf Amendment Bill. AIMPLB spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas stated that BJP allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JDU), have not been invited to the protest.

JPC Chairman Questions AIMPLB's Protest Against Waqf Amendment Bill

Reacting to the protest, Jagdambika Pal, BJP MP and Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), questioned the need for such demonstrations. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “Joint Parliamentary Committee and Waqf had called AIMPLB before the whole committee after this amendment. We had taken cognisance of the things highlighted by AIMPLB before the committee. Not only that, we also made it a part of our report...so why are they going to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi?”

He further stated, "After the amendment, a better law is going to be formed. Poor, women, widows and children will also benefit from this. If they are going to hold a protest against this Waqf bill (amendment), somewhere they are trying to create hatred among people of the country and challenge the Parliament's right to form a law. They are trying to confuse people and create differences...this step taken by them is not democratic."

Why is AIMPLB Protesting the Waqf Amendment Bill?

The AIMPLB has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, arguing that their concerns were ignored. AIMPLB spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas stated, “We had hoped that the Joint Parliamentary Committee would consider our suggestions. However, neither our views nor the amendments proposed by opposition parties were taken into account.”

On the other hand, the ruling government maintains that they have accommodated AIMPLB’s concerns and questions the need for protests.

Owaisi Slams Waqf Amendment Bill, Supports AIMPLB’s Protest

Amid the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, Asaduddin Owaisi has also voiced his opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Sharing a post by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “The Waqf Amendment Bill is a conspiracy to spread anarchy under the guise of law. It aims to take control of Waqf properties under the pretext of protection and transparency. We demand that the government withdraw this bill immediately.”

Owaisi also used the hashtag #RejectWAQFBill, intensifying the opposition’s stance.

Political Storm Over Waqf Amendment Bill Continues

The Waqf Amendment Bill has triggered a political storm, with AIMPLB and opposition parties standing against it, while the ruling government insists that the amendments will benefit marginalised communities. With protests escalating at Jantar Mantar, the debate around the bill continues to grow, setting the stage for further political confrontations.

Waqf Amendment Bill