Jamiat Strengthens Opposition to Waqf Amendment Bill, Urges TDP and JD(U) to Address Muslim Concerns

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has intensified its campaign against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, urging leaders such as TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar to take into account the concerns of the Muslim community. The organization has called for any party within the NDA that claims secular credentials to distance itself from supporting what they describe as a “dangerous” piece of legislation.

At the ‘Save Constitution Convention’ held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Jamiat president Maulana Arshad Madani made it clear that should the bill pass, the political responsibility would rest heavily on the shoulders of Naidu and Kumar, two significant allies in the BJP-led government. Madani remarked, “The people of India have rejected the BJP’s divisive policies, yet this government is propped up by two crutches—Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. While Naidu could not attend in person, he sent his vice president, which I appreciate, as he will carry forward the sentiments of our gathering.”

He went on to assert that the potential passage of the Waqf Bill would result in shared culpability for both the central government and its allies, urging them to reconsider their support for the bill. The convention passed a resolution calling for the Waqf Board to remain under the control of Muslim leadership alone and demanded that Parliament’s joint committee on the matter consult only Muslim organizations in its deliberations.

Madani reiterated the Jamiat’s unwavering support for opposition parties that have pledged to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, while stressing the importance for NDA parties that pride themselves on being secular to align their actions with their values. He called on these parties to demonstrate true commitment to secularism by rejecting the bill.

In a bold move, the Jamiat announced plans for a large-scale demonstration in Naidu’s region, with an expected turnout of around 500,000 Muslims to express their opposition to the bill and raise awareness about the perceived threats to their community’s interests.

Madani also took the opportunity to emphasize the critical importance of preserving waqf properties, many of which hold deep historical, cultural, and religious significance. “These properties were established by our forefathers and are a part of Allah’s legacy. They must be preserved and protected from any efforts to seize them,” Madani said. His comments were aimed at addressing ongoing concerns that some of these waqf properties, particularly mosques, may be at risk under the new amendments.

The Jamiat president further highlighted the need for communal harmony, reminding attendees that “Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians are all brothers” and stressing the shared values of India’s diverse communities. He also acknowledged the commitment of the INDIA alliance and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to safeguarding the rights of minorities, calling on Muslims to support those who are working to ensure their religious freedoms are protected.

The Jamiat’s resolution made it clear that the organization would reject any legislative proposal on waqf endowments that does not guarantee the full protection of waqf properties in accordance with Islamic law. They maintain that the Waqf Act of 2013 is already comprehensive and sufficient for the protection and recovery of waqf properties from illegal occupation, and that the bill’s amendments are unnecessary and harmful.

The Jamiat has firmly rejected the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, calling for its immediate withdrawal and urging the government to strengthen the implementation of the Waqf Act of 2013, rather than amending it.

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in August, has sparked widespread controversy. After being referred to a Joint Parliamentary committee, the government has stated that the bill will not interfere with mosque activities. However, opposition parties and Muslim organizations argue that it targets the Muslim community by undermining their rights to manage waqf properties and challenges the fundamental principles of the Constitution. The ongoing debate has put pressure on the government to reconsider the proposed amendments, with increasing calls for a more inclusive and transparent dialogue on the matter.