Hundreds gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Monday to protest against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.
The protest was organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and attended by various Muslim organizations, MLAs, and MPs from Opposition parties who called the Bill “unconstitutional.”
Participants from all walks of life joined the rally, chanting slogans demanding the government withdraw the Bill.
The protest also saw a broad coalition of Opposition parliamentarians, including those from Congress, Samajwadi Party, AAP, AIMIM, CPI, CPI(ML), CPM, IUML, NCP, TMC, BJD, and WPI, who expressed their strong rejection of the Waqf Amendment Bill.
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposed amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after incorporating changes recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
The approval paved the way for the Bill to be tabled in Parliament in the second half of the Budget Session, which began on March 10.
The Bill amounts to “discrimination” as it calls for having non-Muslim members in Waqf boards and councils when no such provision exists in the management of the endowments of Hindus and Sikhs, said Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson.
Speaking on the Bill, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who was also part of the protest, warned the NDA parties—Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas), and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)—that Muslims would not forgive them because the Bill “would be passed with your support.”
“Do not support this unconstitutional Bill. The real motive behind this Bill is to take over Waqf properties. Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar should remember: if this Bill is passed, history will remember them for their anti-Muslim stance,” he said.
Gathered at Jantar Mantar, the protesters shared their resentment and the “provocation” that the government is attempting by introducing this Bill.
Speaking on the Bill, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP E.T. Muhammed Basheer said, “This government is doing anti-constitutional things. The JPC chairman said this agitation is wrong and that the JPC gave all the chances to everyone. He is unnecessarily provoking everyone with these statements.”
Meanwhile, AIMPLB President Khalid Saifullah said, “The Muslim Personal Law Board has awakened the country’s Muslims. This is not just a fight to protect Waqf but also a battle to safeguard the Constitution and resist injustice and oppression.”
He added that they would continue this struggle for as long as necessary to ensure justice for all. “If the government tries to pass the Bill forcefully, we will respond accordingly,” he said.
Sharing the same sentiments, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s National President Syed Saadatullah Hussaini called the Waqf Amendment Bill unconstitutional, saying, “Waqf gives Muslims the same rights that other religious groups have over their institutions. If every religion has the right to manage its affairs, why are only Muslims being targeted?”
Addressing the protest, Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, condemned the proposed amendment to the Waqf Act, calling it a direct assault on the Constitution.
He described it as an attempt to undermine the framework designed by India’s founding fathers for a democratic and modern nation. “Bulldozers are being used against our homes, mosques, and madrasas, and now they are trying to bulldoze the Constitution itself,” he said.
Maulana Madani further emphasized that this issue is not just for Muslims but for the entire nation. “This is not only a fight for one community but for all citizens who believe in democracy and the Constitution,” he said.
Several political leaders also voiced their opposition to the Bill.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the strong opposition to the Bill from her party leader Mamata Banerjee and their representatives in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). She warned the government against disenfranchising Muslims, asserting that her party would continue the battle both on the streets and in Parliament.
Congress MP Imran Masood, in support of the protest, said, “We will fight and protest from Parliament to the streets. We strongly opposed this Bill in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and will intensify our struggle.”
Maharashtra MP Dr. Fauzia said, “This Bill is completely unconstitutional. Democracy belongs to everyone, but the government wants to centralize power and strip Muslims of their rights.”
The protest highlighted growing concerns within the Muslim community over what they perceive as an attempt to curb their rights and take control of Waqf properties. With mounting opposition from political parties and religious organizations, the controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is expected to escalate further.
According to reports, the Union Cabinet has incorporated most of the changes recommended by the JPC, headed by BJP leader Jagdambika Pal. The panel cleared the Bill on January 27, adopting all 14 changes proposed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA members.
Reacting to the protests, JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal said, “They (AIMPLB) are trying to create hatred among people of the country and challenge Parliament’s right to form a law.”
