Political Games at Play? Victory for Protesters: BJP Postpones Waqf Bill, Citing Electoral Concerns
Massive Public Backlash Pushes BJP to Reconsider Timing
In what is being hailed as a victory for people’s resistance, the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been postponed, likely due to the massive protests that erupted across the country against its introduction. While Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that the Bill would be introduced in the ongoing Budget session, internal fissures within the ruling BJP and pressure from its allies suggest otherwise.
Amid rising tensions over issues such as delimitation and the three-language policy—both stoking a North-South divide—the BJP leadership appears divided on whether the Waqf Bill should be tabled now or deferred until after the crucial Bihar elections later this year. A senior BJP leader admitted, “There is a view that the government could wait for some more time.”
Protests Shake Government’s Confidence
On the occasion of Jumatul Vida, the last Friday of Ramadan, a nationwide silent protest was staged following the call of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Protesters, donning black armbands, sent a clear message of discontent. The unprecedented scale of demonstrations has now led to speculation that the government’s hesitation to introduce the Bill is a direct consequence of the public outrage.
Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM MP and a member of the Parliamentary committee examining the Bill, condemned the proposed amendments, calling them unconstitutional. “Our opposition is not because of any forthcoming elections but because the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 26, and 29 of the Constitution,” he asserted. “The government seeks to interfere in the administration of waqf properties while maintaining the autonomy of other religious bodies like the Hindu Endowment Board, Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and Christian charities. This is unacceptable.”
Opposition Slams Political Opportunism
Opposition leaders dismissed the delay as mere political maneuvering rather than a genuine reconsideration of the Bill’s implications. Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan remarked, “The BJP is unlikely to bring the Waqf Bill this session but will likely revive it ahead of elections in West Bengal and Assam, where communal polarization can be used to its advantage.”
IUML MP Haris Beeran was equally critical, stating, “Deferring the Bill serves no purpose unless the government expresses a willingness to discuss and incorporate the concerns raised by stakeholders.”
BJP’s Troubled Attempt to Push the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in August last year, has been marred by controversy from the outset. The House committee, led by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, cleared 14 amendments proposed by the ruling party while rejecting 44 recommendations from the Opposition. The Bill grants the government sweeping powers over waqf properties, effectively undermining the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions.
Despite Shah’s recent insistence at the Times Now Summit that “no one should be afraid of the Waqf Bill,” the government’s reluctance to push ahead indicates a fear of electoral backlash. With the Budget session set to end on April 4 and only a few working days left, the Bill’s introduction appears increasingly unlikely.
For now, the people’s movement has dealt a significant blow to the government’s attempt to pass the controversial amendments. Whether this delay will translate into a permanent withdrawal or merely a strategic pause remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the voice of the people has been heard.
Key Quotes:
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Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM MP): “Our opposition is not about elections; it’s about protecting constitutional rights. The Waqf Bill is unconstitutional and targets only Muslim institutions while sparing others.”
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IUML MP Haris Beeran: “Delaying the Bill does not solve the problem. The government must address the concerns raised by stakeholders instead of bulldozing its agenda.”
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Protest Organizer: “The massive turnout in silent protests proves that people will not tolerate government overreach into religious institutions.”
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Senior BJP Leader (Anonymous): “The growing public backlash and upcoming elections make it politically risky to push the Bill now.”
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Opposition Leader: “This delay is not about reconsideration, it’s a calculated move to avoid electoral losses.”
Q&A:
Q: Why is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill controversial?
A: The Bill gives the government increased control over waqf properties, undermining the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions. It is being criticized for being discriminatory while similar bodies of other religions remain untouched.
Q: What impact did the protests have?
A: The nationwide protests, held on Jumatul Vida, sent a strong message. The government’s decision to delay the Bill is seen as a direct consequence of public pressure.
Q: Will the government reintroduce the Bill later?
A: Likely. The BJP may use it as a political tool before elections in states like West Bengal and Assam, where communal polarization can work in its favor.
Q: What does the opposition say about the delay?
A: They call it political opportunism, arguing that the government has no intention of addressing concerns but is merely postponing the controversy.
Context & Background:
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The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to change laws governing Muslim religious endowments, allowing greater government interference in managing waqf properties.
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Introduced in August 2023, it faced heavy criticism from opposition parties and religious groups.
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Protests erupted nationwide on Jumatul Vida, with people wearing black armbands in silent dissent.
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The BJP, sensing potential electoral backlash, has now delayed the Bill’s passage, possibly until after the Bihar elections.
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Previous Amendments in 1995 and 2013 were passed unanimously with BJP’s support, but the current Bill takes a different approach, raising concerns.
#RejectWaqfBill #PeoplePowerWins #NoToDiscrimination #WaqfUnderAttack #BJPBacktracks
#SilentProtestVictory #SaveWaqfProperties
