NEW DELHI: A political storm is brewing over the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Mahmood Madani launching a scathing attack on the legislation, calling it a “politically motivated” move to enable land grabbing in the name of reform.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital on Sunday, Madani alleged that the Act was not intended to strengthen the Waqf Boards, but to serve “vested interests.”
“This is not an issue of Waqf but politics. In the name of Muslims, sometimes by abusing Muslims or by being the sympathisers of Muslims, this act (was implemented) with malicious intent,” Madani said.
“A tool to help land grabbers”
Madani claimed the government and its allies had created a false narrative to justify the amendment, portraying the previous Waqf Boards as operating without accountability.
“BJP and its friends in the country and media friends told that the earlier Waqf Board was such that it could do anything... People of their choice were made in the government,” he said.
He went on to accuse the government of facilitating real estate developers and land occupiers, particularly those eyeing prime properties.
“You are trying to help the builders and land occupiers, so that they get the lands in prime locations... This act or amendment is not right for the country, society or Muslims. You are benefiting the occupiers,” Madani said.
'Promises made by the founders are being trampled'
Madani expressed dismay that the Act undermines the historical trust between the Muslim community and the Indian state.
“Our ancestors decided that we will stay in this country. The founders of this country made certain promises to us, and now those decisions are being trampled upon,” he said.
Calling for peaceful resistance, he urged the community to stay united and non-violent in their dissent.
“We have appealed to the people to protest peacefully... And we condemn any violence — it will only weaken our movement,” he said.
“As citizens of this country, we must stand up for the poor who are being crushed... Our struggle will continue. Whatever sacrifices we have to make, we will make them with patience. Sacrifices were made even before independence.”
Protest builds momentum: Owaisi announces rally in Hyderabad
Adding to the rising dissent, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday announced a public protest meeting against the Act.
“A protest public meeting is being organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on 19th April from 7 pm to 10 pm in Hyderabad Darussalam. It will be presided over by the President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Khalid Saifullah Rahmani,” Owaisi said at a press conference.
Owaisi said members from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh’s Muslim Personal Law Boards and key Muslim organizations would participate.
“They will tell the public through their speeches that this Waqf (Amendment) Act is not in favour of the Waqf... We are also trying to talk to the members of the Waqf Committee, and if their schedule permits, they can also come and participate.”
Protests erupt in Bengal; Parliament clears Bill
Tensions are already high in West Bengal, where violent protests erupted in Jangipur, Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, Murshidabad, and North 24 Parganas, resulting in damage to public property. Students of Aliah University in Kolkata and a Muslim organization in Siliguri also joined the protests.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha cleared it earlier with 288 members backing it and 232 opposing it. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5.
While the government has stated the law aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, streamline processes, and empower stakeholders, critics say it does the opposite — undermining community rights and opening the door to exploitation.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital on Sunday, Madani alleged that the Act was not intended to strengthen the Waqf Boards, but to serve “vested interests.”
“This is not an issue of Waqf but politics. In the name of Muslims, sometimes by abusing Muslims or by being the sympathisers of Muslims, this act (was implemented) with malicious intent,” Madani said.
“A tool to help land grabbers”
Madani claimed the government and its allies had created a false narrative to justify the amendment, portraying the previous Waqf Boards as operating without accountability.
“BJP and its friends in the country and media friends told that the earlier Waqf Board was such that it could do anything... People of their choice were made in the government,” he said.
He went on to accuse the government of facilitating real estate developers and land occupiers, particularly those eyeing prime properties.
“You are trying to help the builders and land occupiers, so that they get the lands in prime locations... This act or amendment is not right for the country, society or Muslims. You are benefiting the occupiers,” Madani said.
'Promises made by the founders are being trampled'
Madani expressed dismay that the Act undermines the historical trust between the Muslim community and the Indian state.
“Our ancestors decided that we will stay in this country. The founders of this country made certain promises to us, and now those decisions are being trampled upon,” he said.
Calling for peaceful resistance, he urged the community to stay united and non-violent in their dissent.
“We have appealed to the people to protest peacefully... And we condemn any violence — it will only weaken our movement,” he said.
“As citizens of this country, we must stand up for the poor who are being crushed... Our struggle will continue. Whatever sacrifices we have to make, we will make them with patience. Sacrifices were made even before independence.”
Protest builds momentum: Owaisi announces rally in Hyderabad
Adding to the rising dissent, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday announced a public protest meeting against the Act.
“A protest public meeting is being organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on 19th April from 7 pm to 10 pm in Hyderabad Darussalam. It will be presided over by the President of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Khalid Saifullah Rahmani,” Owaisi said at a press conference.
Owaisi said members from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh’s Muslim Personal Law Boards and key Muslim organizations would participate.
“They will tell the public through their speeches that this Waqf (Amendment) Act is not in favour of the Waqf... We are also trying to talk to the members of the Waqf Committee, and if their schedule permits, they can also come and participate.”
Protests erupt in Bengal; Parliament clears Bill
Tensions are already high in West Bengal, where violent protests erupted in Jangipur, Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, Murshidabad, and North 24 Parganas, resulting in damage to public property. Students of Aliah University in Kolkata and a Muslim organization in Siliguri also joined the protests.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha cleared it earlier with 288 members backing it and 232 opposing it. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5.
While the government has stated the law aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, streamline processes, and empower stakeholders, critics say it does the opposite — undermining community rights and opening the door to exploitation.
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