The Waqf Amendment Bill seems to be part of a larger strategy aimed at usurping Muslim properties, says Maulana Arshad Madani
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema Hind, raised significant concerns over India’s stance on the Palestine conflict, directly questioning the Modi government over the use of Indian ammunition in Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Addressing the Convention on the Protection of the Constitution of India held here recently, he asked whether gunpowder was being sent from India to destroy the Palestinians.
Madani expressed regret over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s labelling of Palestinian resistance as “terrorism.” In a pointed remark, he stated, “If breaking the chains of slavery is considered terrorism, then what would you call the struggles of Gandhi and Nehru? They, too, fought to end oppression and achieve freedom.”
He revealed that during his travels in Arab countries, he had encountered allegations that Indian ammunition was being used in attacks on Palestinians. Advising the prime minister to adopt a more empathetic stance, he added, “The prime minister should cleanse his heart.”
During the convention, Madani also voiced his opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, which he argued threatens the integrity of Muslim-owned properties. “The government’s intentions towards Waqf properties appear to be harmful,” he said, warning that such a law could adversely impact the Muslim community. The bill, he stated, seemed to be part of a larger strategy aimed at usurping Muslim properties.
Madani went further to address the communal tensions and rising incidents of hate crimes against Muslims across the country, urging the government to respect India’s secular Constitution. He asserted that “If the supremacy of the Constitution is compromised, democracy itself will be in jeopardy.”
In his address, Madani also warned the government’s political allies, particularly the Janata Dal-United (JDU) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP). “If the Waqf Bill is passed in Parliament, these two parties will share responsibility for its consequences,” he declared, urging them to honour the sentiments of the Muslim community. “If Parliament approves this controversial bill, the JDU and TDP will bear responsibility,” he cautioned, emphasising the long-standing role of Muslims in India’s history and their contributions to the country.
Madani criticised the portrayal of Muslims as outsiders, saying, “Indian Muslims are natives of this land. Just as there are Jats and Gujjars among Hindus, there are Jats and Gujjars among Muslims. We are not foreigners; we are indigenous to this soil.”
Constitutional Integrity
The convention witnessed emotionally charged supporters and community leaders, where Madani stressed the importance of upholding India’s secular Constitution. “The Constitution is the foundation of our democracy,” he remarked. “If the Constitution is undermined, then democracy itself will suffer.”
Madani’s speech reflected growing disquiet within the community over issues like the Uniform Civil Code and increasing restrictions on madrasas. He characterised the Waqf Amendment Bill as a “deliberate plot” to seize Waqf properties, urging the Muslim community to remain vigilant. “Protecting the Constitution is paramount,” he warned, adding, “If these attempts to alter the Constitution succeed, it is the nation that will ultimately pay the price.”
