New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi caused sharp debate in Parliament after he said that Muslims in India are facing increasing oppression and that the community will have to resist injustice. He made these comments during a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill. His remarks drew strong political reactions and widened an already tense national conversation.
Nadvi said the government’s handling of the Waqf property verification process created mistrust among Muslims. He pointed to the Centre’s Ummid Portal, which was designed to update and verify Waqf records. He said the portal restored only a small number of properties within the six month deadline. He added that server issues and missing records created further concern. According to him, about 70 percent of Waqf properties remain unregistered.
He linked this situation to constitutional concerns. Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and the right to practise and propagate religion. Article 26 protects the right of religious groups to manage their own institutions and properties. Nadvi said many Muslims feel these freedoms are weakening.
His remarks followed a recent statement by Jamiat Ulema e Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani, who said that communities will resist if there is oppression. BJP leaders accused both of inciting tension and attacking constitutional institutions.
Speaking outside the House, Nadvi said his words described the struggles Muslims face. He said that mocking the community goes against constitutional values. He repeated his criticism of the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. He argued that poor verification of properties, including madrasas, mosques and graveyards, reflects discrimination.
The debate on the Bill is expected to continue as both government and opposition prepare detailed responses.
