Waqf Amendment Bill 2024: NDA Government Working on an Anti-Muslim Agenda – Tanweer Ahmad
Ranchi – By passing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament, the central government has launched a direct assault on the religious and social rights of Muslims. This bill has triggered a wave of anger and protest across the country. I, Tanweer Ahmad, a social activist, strongly condemn this bill, as it directly attacks the autonomy of Muslim religious, social, and educational institutions.
The Waqf Board was established to support the poor, orphans, widows, and the needy. It is the backbone of religious and educational activities within the Muslim community. However, the current government is deliberately trying to weaken this institution and marginalize Muslims. This move is a clear violation of the religious freedom guaranteed under Articles 25 to 30 of the Indian Constitution.
What is even more disheartening is that NDA allies – Nitish Kumar (JDU), Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Chirag Paswan (LJP), Jayant Chaudhary (RLD), Ajit Pawar (NCP), H.D. Deve Gowda (JDS), and others – also supported this bill. This is a betrayal of the millions of Muslim voters who trusted these parties. These leaders either remained silent or openly sided with the government, proving they are not serious about protecting the interests of the Muslim community.
Objectionable Provisions in the Amendment:
- Non-Muslim Members in the Waqf Board: This opens the door to government interference in Waqf properties and religious affairs.
- Bypassing State Governments: The amendment strips state governments of their authority and gives the central government direct control over Waqf properties.
- Surveillance in the Name of Regulation: The government will now be able to monitor and intervene in the functioning of mosques, madrasas, dargahs, cemeteries, and other Waqf properties under the guise of oversight.
- Threat to Constitutional Values: This law is not just a threat to Muslims, but to the very secular and democratic fabric of India.
A Warning Bell for the Nation
This bill is not just limited to Muslims. It is an attack on the fundamental values of equality, secularism, and freedom in Indian society. If the Muslim community remains silent today, tomorrow the government’s interference may extend to other religious and social institutions as well.
Our Demands and Appeal:
- The Jharkhand government should convene a special session and decide not to implement this bill in the state.
- We appeal to social organizations, Muslim religious leaders, and opposition parties across the country to fight this bill through democratic and legal means.
- Our future generations will not forgive us if we stay silent today. We must stand up to protect our Constitution and religious rights.
- We will continue to fight on every legal and democratic platform to safeguard Waqf properties.
This is not just a fight for one community—it is a fight to defend the Constitution and justice for all.
