New Delhi: With the government set to present the Waqf Bill next week, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide agitation. Large protest sit-ins are planned in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29.
AIMPLB, leading the opposition to the bill, held a massive protest in Delhi on March 17, demanding its withdrawal. Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson and Action Committee Convener, thanked Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and minority leaders for their support. He also appreciated opposition parties and MPs for rejecting the bill.
The AIMPLB’s 31-member Action Committee vowed to use all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to oppose the “controversial, discriminatory, and damaging” bill. Senior AIMPLB leaders and representatives of national and state-level organizations will join the protests. Civil society leaders and key figures from Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC groups have also confirmed participation.
Despite party whips requiring MPs to attend Parliament, opposition JPC members have been invited to the sit-ins. In Patna, JD(U), RJD, Congress, and Lok Janshakti Party leaders, including Bihar’s Chief Minister, have been invited. In Andhra Pradesh, TDP, YSR Congress, Congress, and left parties received invitations.
Dr. Ilyas warned BJP allies: withdraw support for the bill or risk losing AIMPLB’s backing. The Board has planned protests in all state capitals, with major rallies in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Malerkotla, and Ranchi. The campaign includes sit-ins, human chains, and social media drives on X. Public meetings, seminars, and dharnas will also be held at the district level, with memorandums submitted to the President via District Magistrates.
