New Delhi: In a show of solidarity and opposition, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in major Indian cities, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, rejecting the Waqf Amendment Bill that recently passed through Parliament. The legislation, which now awaits the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, has ignited intense disapproval from Muslim organizations and influential political figures, who claim it infringes upon religious autonomy and minority rights.
Protesters in Kolkata led by Muslim organizations under the Joint Forum for Waqf Protection conveyed their strong dissent with placards reading, “We Reject Waqf Amendment Bill,” and chants demanding the reclamation of their rights. The protests were mirrored in cities like Ahmedabad, where heightened security measures resulted in the detention of AIMIM’s state unit chief and numerous members. In Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay’s party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) spearheaded statewide protests, mobilizing support in cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore.
The opposition to the bill extends beyond street protests. Prominent figures like Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi have filed petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the legislation on constitutional grounds. They argue that it discriminates against the Muslim community by violating fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and equality.
The Waqf Amendment Bill cleared Parliament with significant support, despite fierce opposition. In the Rajya Sabha, it garnered 128 votes in favor, with 95 against, while in the Lok Sabha, it was passed with 288 votes for and 232 against. The government defends the bill as a necessary measure to enhance transparency and accountability in Waqf properties, while critics view it as state overreach into religious affairs.
