The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) intensified its protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with hundreds gathering at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. On Monday, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), condemned the Muslim body for threatening a “Shaheen Bagh-like protest,” calling it a divisive move. AIMPLB accused the government of attempting to seize Waqf properties and held another demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protest garnered support from eleven opposition parties, including Congress, with prominent figures like AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Salman Khurshid joining the rally.
AIMPLB’s approach has also faced criticism from within the community, with Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi accusing the board of being influenced by political agendas rather than addressing genuine Muslim concerns. In response to AIMPLB’s stance, Jagdambika Pal told IANS, “They have opposed the bill from the outset. Despite this, we invited the All India Muslim Personal Law Board to present their views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Owaisi Sahab was also a member. We listened to everyone for 3-4 hours and recorded the opinions of all stakeholders from various states.”
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the amended Waqf (Amendment) Bill, incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). This approval paves the way for the bill to be presented in Parliament during the second half of the ongoing budget session, which began on March 10.
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, criticized the bill, calling it “discriminatory” for requiring non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and councils, a provision not found in the management of Hindu and Sikh endowments.
Responding sharply to these remarks, Pal defended the JPC report, stating it was created after thorough consultations. “We took into account the views of every stakeholder before drafting the report. This law is designed to protect Waqf properties from misuse and ensure the benefits reach poor Muslims, women, and widows. The bill hasn’t even been passed yet, yet they are already calling for a Shaheen Bagh-like situation. This is a calculated attempt to create division, similar to the debates on Article 370 and Triple Talaq,” he said.
AIMPLB General Secretary Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi stated that the board attempted to persuade the government through all democratic channels, but their concerns were ignored.
“Now, we have no option but to go on a protest. The government wants to impose this amendment on us at any cost. We do not want the situation to worsen, but you (the government) want conflicts in every street and neighborhood, especially over mosques and cemeteries. We want to see a developed India, but in these circumstances, our dream cannot come true. This amendment is against the country. The government has misled our innocent Hindu brothers as well,” Mujaddidi said.
