– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The CPI(M) has strongly condemned the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it an attack on the Constitution and minority rights. At its 24th Congress in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the party passed a resolution urging secular individuals and organizations to protest the divisive Act, warning it would heighten communal tensions and harm India’s secular fabric.
The original Waqf Act was meant to manage Islamic endowments and ensure their proper use. It prevented misuse and unauthorized sales. The CPI(M) said the amended Act violates the foundational principles of the earlier law.
The party accused the BJP of pushing its Hindutva agenda and using the Bill to spread division. The BJP claims the earlier Act allowed Muslims to grab land, the CPI(M) noted.
Despite Islamic teachings barring non-Muslims from managing Waqf assets, the new Bill adds non-Muslims to Waqf Boards. This, the CPI(M) said, infringes on Muslims’ right to practice their religion.
By requiring Muslims to prove five years of adherence to Islam to contribute to Waqf, the amendment encourages harassment and may discourage contributions. It also blocks interfaith goodwill, as even non-Muslim contributions to mosques would now be rejected.
A key concern is the removal of Section 40, which strips Waqf Boards of the power to determine Waqf status. Waqf properties, whether deed-based, oral, based on use, or granted by the government, are now at risk.
Under the new law, most Waqf properties — declared through use or orally — could be taken over. States like UP, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala with large Waqf assets may face major losses.
Transferring authority from the Survey Commissioner to government revenue officials could allow seizure of mosques, schools, clinics, and skill centres.
The new rule requiring registration of old Waqf properties is seen as a move to confiscate them.
By weakening Waqf Tribunals, the Board will become disconnected from the Muslim community.
The CPI(M) warned that this is part of a larger plan, like the CAA, to strip Muslims of rights. It called on all secular and democratic forces to unite and demand the Bill’s withdrawal.
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Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025: Black Chapter for Democracy, Says AIMPLB
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board slammed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, calling it a shameful act. Despite objections from Muslims, civil society, and the opposition, Parliament passed the Bill.
General Secretary Maulana Muhammad Fazlur Raheem Mujaddidi said the Bill is a stain on India’s democracy. He accused the ruling party of using power to spread hatred and hide its failures. The Bill, he said, is falsely shown as pro-Muslim but is completely unacceptable to Muslims.
He criticized the government for ignoring the concerns of the Board, other Muslim groups, opposition leaders, and civil society. He said this arrogant approach is not fit for a democracy.
The Board will launch a nationwide protest and also file a legal challenge. Consultations are ongoing for both the protest and court case. Dates will be announced soon. Protests will be peaceful and within legal limits, Insha Allah.
He urged all Muslims and justice-loving citizens to prepare to join the protests when the Board calls for it, so the government may realize its mistake and repeal the Bill.
The Board warned that the Bill is dangerous and will cause serious issues. It must be withdrawn.
The Board appreciated the opposition MPs who opposed the Bill with strong reasoning and preparation. Their support is welcome, and the Board expects continued help in the fight ahead.
However, it condemned the behavior of BJP allies like Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary. The Board said Muslims had trusted them for their secular stance, but they betrayed the community. They will face consequences.
Muslims aligned with these parties should rethink their position. After such betrayal, what is their place? What path should they take? Political gain should not come before the community’s rights.
The Board stressed it will not give in to pressure or threats. It will not drop its demands. If sacrifice is needed, the Board is ready. It is not alone. The entire Muslim community stands with it.
