Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Following Friday prayers, massive protests broke out in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Chennai after the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in both houses of Parliament, despite strong opposition from political parties and Muslim groups.
Thousands of Muslims gathered on the streets of Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad on Friday after Juma Namaz to protest the bill, carrying placards that read, ‘We Reject the Waqf Bill.’
Visuals from the Bengal capital showed a large crowd waving the national flag and carrying posters proclaiming ‘we reject Waqf amendment’ and ‘Reject Waqf Bill’ gathering at public meeting sites. Many of the protests, news agency ANI said, were organised by the Joint Forum for Waqf Protection
Many of the protests, according to news agency ANI, were organised by the Joint Forum for Waqf Protection.”
Visuals of the protests from Ahmedabad depicted a more charged atmosphere, with a video shared by ANI showing police attempting to forcibly remove elderly demonstrators who were squatting on the road.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Chennai, where actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam had called for a statewide protest. TVK workers gathered in Chennai and major cities like Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli, raising slogans such as ‘Reject the Waqf Bill’ and ‘Do Not Take Away Muslims’ Rights.'”
The controversial changes to the Waqf laws, which govern the management of Muslim charitable properties, were approved by Parliament after nearly 20 hours of fiery speeches from MPs, with opposition members calling the bill as ‘anti-Muslim.’
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which now only requires President Droupadi Murmu’s assent (a formality) to become law, was first passed in the Lok Sabha by 288 votes to 232, and then in the Rajya Sabha by 128 votes to 95.
The amended Waqf laws mandate the nomination of two non-Muslim members to state Waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council. They also require individuals making donations to certify themselves as ‘practicing Muslims’ for at least five years prior.
The concerns and fears of centre taking over the Waqf boards were raised by Muslim groups and the opposition parties.
Reacting to Parliament’s approval of the bill, General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Muhammad Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, stated that the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 marks a dark chapter and a blemish on the world’s largest democracy.
He accused the ruling party, “intoxicated by power, of moving forward while covering up its mistakes and shortcomings by creating an atmosphere of hatred in the country— with the Waqf Amendment Bill being one such part of this divisive agenda. This law, presented under the guise of sympathy toward Muslims, is completely unacceptable to the community and destructive to Waqf properties.”
“It is deeply disappointing that the government paid no heed to the demands of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and other community organisations. Similarly, the voices of opposition MPs and civil society were also ignored. Such authoritarian behaviour is unacceptable in a democratic nation,” he said.
Mujaddidi further stated that the Board will not remain silent on this issue. “Instead, it will pave the way for nationwide protests and initiate a strong legal action. Consultations are ongoing regarding the protests and legal strategies, and an official announcement will be made soon. The Board will launch a peaceful, continuous, and strong protest within the framework of the Constitution and law, InshaAllah,” he said.
“We appeal not only to Muslims but to all justice-loving citizens of the country to await the Board’s announcement. When the call for protest is made, we urge everyone to participate with full strength, so that the government realises its mistake and a path for repealing this law can be paved,” the Board leader maintained.
