Kozhikode, Kerala : Thousands of people gathered at Kozhikode Beach in Kerala on Wednesday evening to protest the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The rally was led by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which declared it the largest protest in India against the law. Organisers claimed over two lakh participants from across the state, reported the Times of India.
Protesters carried placards and banners rejecting the Act, which they say violates the constitutional rights of Muslims. The demonstration was inaugurated by IUML state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. In his speech, he labelled the law as “anti-constitutional” and voiced hope that the Supreme Court would strike it down. IUML has already challenged the law in court.
The protest saw participation from leaders outside Kerala as well. Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Telangana Minister Dansari Anasuya (Seethakka) attended as chief guests, showing cross-state solidarity against the law.
IUML national president and former MP K. M. Kader Mohideen, general secretary P. K. Kunhalikutty, and MPs E. T. Muhammed Basheer, P. V. Abdul Wahab, and M. P. Abdussamad Samadani addressed the crowd. They reaffirmed IUML’s commitment to protect Muslim rights and oppose any government interference in waqf matters.
IUML leaders emphasised that the issue is not just legal, but a matter of religious freedom. They vowed to continue their democratic and legal resistance to ensure minority institutions remain free from government control.
The protest marks a significant development in the national conversation on waqf governance and minority rights.
