– Shabana Javed
Kolkata: Protests broke out at Park Circus Crossing here Friday following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by both Houses of Parliament. Members of the minority community, supported by several minority organisations, staged demonstrations demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legislation.
The Bill, which was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday after a 13-hour-long debate, received 128 votes in favour and 95 against. It had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 288 members supporting and 232 opposing the motion.
Protesters alleged that the Bill was an attempt by the ruling BJP to target Muslim properties and marginalise the community.
“This Bill is a ploy to divide the nation. It reflects an authoritarian mindset and seeks to undermine the rights of Muslims under the guise of reform,” said one of the demonstrators.
The protest led to significant traffic disruptions in the Park Circus area as hundreds took to the streets.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the BJP for introducing the legislation. She accused the central government of attempting to polarise the country and pledged to reverse the law in the event of a change in regime.
“Once a new government is formed after removing the current one, we will bring an amendment to nullify this Bill,” Banerjee stated.
Opposition parties also voiced strong objections during the parliamentary debate, terming the legislation “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” In response, the government maintained that the amendment represents a “historic reform” intended to enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties.
The Waqf Bill remains a subject of intense political and public debate, with further demonstrations expected in the coming days.
