Nagpur — A powerful interfaith conference held at the Babasaheb Ambedkar International Convention Centre in Nagpur voiced strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 and the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, branding them as threats to the constitutional rights of religious communities in India. The event brought together prominent leaders from both Muslim and Buddhist communities under the joint initiative of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Bharatiya Bhagidari Mission (BBM), reported the Times of India.
The gathering focused on upholding Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and autonomy of religious institutions. Speakers alleged that the recent legislations infringe upon these rights and demanded their immediate rollback.
AIMPLB spokesperson Qasim Rasul Ilyas called for a nationwide mass movement on the lines of the 2021 farmers’ protests, stating, “We must unite peacefully but strongly against these discriminatory laws — if not this government, then the next must repeal them.”
AIMPLB General Secretary Moulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, BBM founder-president Advocate Suresh Mane, and Advocates Firdos Mirza and Bhupendra Raipure were among the key speakers. Advocate Mirza highlighted the constitutional protections for minority communities, while Advocate Raipure offered a critique of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act.
The programme was initiated by BBM’s Dr. Vinod Rangari and included an introductory address by former Maharashtra Waqf Board CEO Abdul Rauf Shaikh, who outlined the purpose of the gathering. Dr. Ravindra Mane described the event as a “new chapter in interfaith harmony.” In his presidential address, Moulana Mujaddidi stressed the importance of peaceful resistance to unconstitutional legislation.
The event was conducted by Dr. Aves Hasan, with a vote of thanks delivered by Moulana Abdul Wahab Parekh. The conference concluded with a dua by Moulana Siraj Ahmed Qasmi. Notable attendees included Mufti Abdul Qadir, Moulana Mustafa, Mufti Sabir, and members from organizations such as CSRI and ASRA Foundation. Organizers such as Hanif Patel, Irshad, Rafiq, and Atiq Qureshi played pivotal roles in coordinating the event.
