Muslim Leaders Rally Against “Discriminatory” Waqf Amendment Bill
New Delhi, 22 April – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Tuesday issued a stern warning to BJP’s NDA allies, accusing them of “stabbing Muslims in the back” by supporting the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament. At a high-profile “Save Waqf” conference in Delhi, the board demanded the law’s immediate repeal, threatening political opposition against parties that fail to act.
“The BJP’s allies have betrayed the Muslim community by backing this unjust law,” said AIMPLB general secretary Mohammad Fazlur Rahim. “We appeal to all justice-loving citizens to recognize these parties, which stand against constitutional values. They must pressure the government to withdraw the Act or face our resistance at every level.”
The conference, held at Talkatora Stadium, saw participation from prominent Muslim organizations, opposition leaders, and even Shia cleric Kalbe Jawad, a known BJP supporter in the past.
“Not Protection, But Land Grab”: Owaisi Slams Centre
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging that the Waqf Amendment Act was designed to legitimize land grabs rather than protect Waqf properties.
“The BJP’s claims in their 16-page booklet are a bunch of lies,” Owaisi said. “This law was not brought to safeguard Waqf but to turn land-grabbers into legal owners.” He challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently visiting Saudi Arabia, to verify the existence of Waqf institutions in Muslim nations. “Waqf is a globally recognized Islamic endowment—whether in democracies or monarchies,” he asserted.
SC’s Interim Relief Not Enough, Says AIMPLB
The Supreme Court recently deferred hearings on petitions challenging the Waqf Act until May 5 after the Centre assured no immediate denotification of Waqf properties or new appointments to Waqf Boards. However, Rahim dismissed this as insufficient.
“Interim relief is not our goal—we want the law repealed entirely,” he declared. “This fight will continue till our last breath.” He also urged Hindu and other non-Muslim communities to join the opposition against what he called a “discriminatory” legislation.
Opposition Leaders Rally Behind AIMPLB
Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav called for political retribution against BJP allies. “Leaders like Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, and others must be taught a lesson through the ballot,” he said. “Start with the Bihar elections—ensure they never dare to undermine minority rights again.”
RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha acknowledged the Supreme Court’s interim order but stressed the need for further legal clarity. “While we welcome the relief on some issues, several problematic clauses remain unresolved,” he said.
Former BSP MP Salim Ansari urged the AIMPLB to intensify protests in Uttar Pradesh, a key political battleground.
AIMPLB Alleges “Mir Jafars” Within Muslim Community
Rahim also cautioned against the Centre’s alleged attempts to create divisions within the Muslim community. “We must remain vigilant against those who betray our cause,” he said, invoking the historical reference to Mir Jafar, a symbol of treachery.
With tensions escalating, the Waqf Amendment Act has emerged as a flashpoint between the government and Muslim organizations, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and political battle.
Statements – AIMPLB General Secretary Mohammad Fazlur Rahim:
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On BJP Allies: “By supporting this unjust law, the BJP’s allies have stabbed Muslims in the back. They must now choose—either force the government to repeal this Act or face our resistance in every election, every street, and every forum.”
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On Legal Battle: “The Supreme Court’s interim relief is not enough. Our demand is clear—complete withdrawal of this discriminatory law. We will fight till our last breath to protect Waqf properties from being snatched away.”
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Warning Against Internal Divisions: “The government is trying to create Mir Jafars within our community—traitors who will sell out our rights. We must remain united and vigilant against such conspiracies.”
From AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi:
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On Waqf Act’s Intent: “This law is not about protecting Waqf—it’s about legalizing land grabs. The BJP wants to turn encroachers into owners, and we will not let that happen.”
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Challenge to PM Modi: “If the BJP claims Waqf doesn’t exist in Muslim countries, let the Prime Minister ask Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince. Waqf is a sacred Islamic institution recognized worldwide—no propaganda can erase that truth.”
From Opposition Leaders:
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SP MP Dharmendra Yadav’s Call to Action: “Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, and others who betrayed Muslims must be punished politically. The Bihar elections will be the first test—let’s ensure they never dare to attack minority rights again.”
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RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Legal Fight: “The Supreme Court’s pause on denotifications is a small victory, but the war isn’t over. We need full clarity on every oppressive clause in this law.”
Unifying Appeal to Broader Public:
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AIMPLB’s Message to Non-Muslims: “This is not just a Muslim issue—it’s about justice for all. We urge our Hindu brothers, Sikhs, Christians, and every Indian who values fairness to stand with us against this unconstitutional law.”
