“Sangh’s Land Grab? Waqf Amendment Exposes BJP’s Hypocrisy on Temple Autonomy”
Protesters Decry Sangh Parivar’s Communal Agenda as Government Tightens Grip on Muslim Institutions
BENGALURU, April 7 — In a defiant show of resistance, hundreds of citizens flooded Freedom Park today, their voices thunderous against the BJP government’s latest assault on constitutional principles—the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. Organized by Hum Samvidhan Ke Log, the protest saw students, lawyers, and activists unite in condemnation of what they call a “systematic dismantling of Muslim autonomy” disguised as legal reform.
A Law Crafted in Bad Faith
The Act, bulldozed through Parliament despite widespread opposition, empowers the government to:
- Seize control of waqf properties from elected boards and hand them to BJP-appointed bureaucrats
- Impose non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards—a rule conspicuously absent for Hindu or Sikh trusts
- Erase “waqf by user” protections, jeopardizing centuries-old mosques and graveyards
- Bar ordinary Muslims from creating new waqfs unless they prove five years of religious practice—a hurdle nonexistent for other communities
“This isn’t reform—it’s a land grab,” shouted 24-year-old law student Ayesha Khan, waving a dog-eared copy of the Constitution. “First they came for Article 370, then for hijabs in classrooms. Now they want to decide who manages our mosques and madrasas.”
Legal Experts Condemn “Unconstitutional Power Grab”
Advocate B.T. Venkatesh, former Karnataka Public Prosecutor, minced no words: “The BJP has crossed a red line. This Act violates Articles 25 and 26 (right to religious freedom) and Article 14 (equality before law). It’s Hindutva majoritarianism wearing a legal mask.”
Documents reveal the government ignored over 2.3 lakh public objections during committee hearings. “Not one suggestion was incorporated,” fumed activist Vinay Srinivasan. “The JPC was a sham—this law was written in Nagpur, not Parliament.”
BJP’s Double Standards Exposed
Protesters highlighted glaring hypocrisy:
- No government interference in Hindu temple trusts despite rampant corruption (e.g., Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ ₹5,000 crore scandals)
- No “religious practice tests” for Hindu endowments
- No bureaucrats overseeing Sikh gurudwara committees
“They scream about ‘minority appeasement’, but it’s the BJP that’s weaponizing laws to target Muslims,” said Zia Nomani of the All India Waqf Rights Forum, pointing to similar moves against madrasas in UP and Assam.
A Movement Gains Momentum
As dusk fell, the crowd took a pledge: to challenge the Act in courts, organize statewide jan sunwais (public hearings), and expose the Sangh Parivar’s agenda. “This won’t stop at waqf boards,” warned Maria Hussain, a social worker. “Tomorrow they’ll come for churches, then Sikh gurudwaras. Today, we draw the line.”
With the 2024 election dust settling, one message rang clear: Karnataka’s civil society won’t surrender its constitutional ideals without a fight.
#RepealWaqfAct trends on X as protests spread to Hyderabad and Delhi.
Why This Matters:
The Waqf Amendment Act isn’t just about property—it’s a trial balloon for broader erosion of minority rights. If unchallenged, it sets a dangerous precedent for state control over all religious institutions.
Key Statements
- Condemnation of Government Overreach:
“The Waqf Amendment Act is not reform—it’s a state-sponsored land grab targeting Muslim institutions while turning a blind eye to corruption in Hindu trusts.” - Constitutional Violation:
“By imposing non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards and erasing ‘waqf by user’ protections, the BJP is shredding Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Constitution.” - Call to Action:
“This protest is just the beginning. We will fight in courts, streets, and Parliament until this communal law is repealed.”
Powerful Quotes
- Advocate B.T. Venkatesh:
“The Act is a legal Trojan horse—it smuggles in Sangh Parivar’s agenda under the guise of ‘transparency’.” - Student Protester Ayesha Khan:
“First our hijabs, now our mosques. When will the BJP stop policing Muslim lives?” - Activist Zia Nomani:
“Why no ‘religious practice tests’ for Hindu endowments? This law reeks of apartheid.”
Q&A
Q: Why are protesters calling the Act unconstitutional?
A: It violates:
- Article 14: Equality before law (non-Muslims imposed on Waqf Boards but not Hindu/Sikh trusts)
- Articles 25-26: Right to manage religious affairs (state takeover of waqf properties)
Q: What’s the ‘waqf by user’ clause, and why does its removal matter?
A: It protected properties used for decades as mosques/grazing yards. Its deletion opens doors to demolition or takeover.
Q: How is this different from Hindu temple trusts?
A: Hindu trusts face zero government interference in membership or “religious practice” tests—exposing BJP’s double standards.
Short Summary
The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 empowers the BJP government to:
- Replace elected Waqf Boards with bureaucrats.
- Impose non-Muslim members on boards.
- Strip protections from historic Islamic sites.
Protesters demand repeal, calling it a communal land grab and constitutional betrayal.
Context & Background
- Waqf Properties: 8 lakh+ estates (worth ₹1.2 lakh crore) fund Muslim schools, hospitals, and mosques.
- Timeline:
- 2023: BJP introduces bill amid opposition walkouts.
- 2025: Passed via voice vote; presidential assent granted despite 2.3 lakh public objections.
- Precedent: Follows BJP’s crackdowns on madrasas (UP), hijabs (Karnataka), and halal bans.
#RepealWaqfAct #HandsOffWaqf #BJPAgainstConstitution #SaveMinorityRights
