By Vishwapati
Patna: The opposition party organised a large dharna protest in Gardanibagh today against Waqf Amendment Bill, in which Muslim organisations and political party leaders joined under the leadership of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). Bihar proved to be a major center of the movement, for which political parties and social organizations joined the protest.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav were also part of the protest. Lalu Yadav, who had also criticized the bill in the past, showed his solidarity with Muslim communities by joining the protest. Other RJD leaders too are part of the agitation.
Nationwide Movement Begins in Patna
The AIMPLB has also decided to start a nationwide campaign against the bill, starting from Patna. Muslim groups feel the law is a conspiracy to bring Waqf properties under the control of the government and has generated severe resentment among the community, which feels it is communally motivated.
Muslim Groups Seek Political Backing
Muslim groups have sought assistance from Bihar’s major political parties, calling on the likes of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan in particular to oppose the bill.
Samajwadi Party MP Joins Protest
Samajwadi Party Rampur MP Maulana Mohibullah was also among the protesters, calling the movement a necessity. According to him, the bill would weaken the religious and social rights of minorities.
AIMPLB Accuses Modi Government of Communal Agenda
AIMPLB spokesman Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas made the serious charges against the central government that the bill was communal and that it was an attempt to take over Waqf properties. He explained that the board’s objection was not political but in defense of community interests.
While Muslim communities charge the bill with threatening minority religious properties, the government maintains that it will enhance Waqf management and transparency. Protesters, however, call this a conspiracy and call for the withdrawal of the bill, warning that they will escalate the protests to the next level if their call is not heeded. The AIMPLB and its affiliate organisations have threatened to stage mass protests across India. The political reaction in Bihar, especially from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, remains a cause of concern.
JD(U) Joins Central Government in Favour of Waqf Bill
Everyone is looking towards Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the minorities are hoping that he will oppose the bill, considering his secular leaning of mind. Maulanas and ulemas from all over India have gone on the streets protesting, urging secular leaders to oppose the bill.
Uproar in Bihar Legislature Over Bill
During the budget session of the Bihar Legislature, the opposition cornered the government on the matter, demanding that a motion against the Waqf Amendment Bill be moved and sent to the Centre. CPI-ML MLA Mehboob Alam accused the central government of attempting to usurp Waqf rights, calling the move unfair.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
