NEW DELHI — A massive demonstration was held in Karnataka’s Koppal on Saturday to protest the Union government’s newly imposed Waqf Amendment Act.
The mass rally began at Clock Post and proceeded towards Ashok Circle, with thousands of people joining to voice their opposition to the Union government’s move.
Maulvi Mufti Nazir Ahmad Taskin of Yousufia Masjid, in his address, stated that the implementation of the Waqf Amendment Act would be unjust to Muslims and must be resisted, reported Maktoob Media.
Another speaker, Hafiz Moyuddin of Diddikeri Masjid, alleged that industrialists Ambani and Adani have occupied Waqf properties in Mumbai, prompting legal action by the Muslim community. He claimed that the central government’s amendment to the Waqf Act is designed to benefit only Ambani and Adani.
Congress lawmakers were also present at the protest.
Congress MP K. Rajashekhar criticised the Union government for prioritising changes to the Waqf Act, asserting that Waqf properties—endowed by Muslims for the welfare of their community—should remain free from government control.
Former MP Sanganna Karadi, MLA K. Raghavendra Hitnal, municipal council president Amjad Patel, council members Rajashekar Adoor, Mahendra Chopra, Muthu Kushdagi, Akbar Pasha Paltan, and Waqf Board president Peera Hussain Hosalli also participated in the rally.
Massive protest in Bihar’s Araria
A massive public gathering was also held in Araria, Bihar, on Saturday against the Bill.
The protest, called by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, witnessed the participation of thousands of people from various religious, social, and political groups.
The demonstration, held near Millia College, was organised as a “public protest gathering” and presided over by Naib Nazim Mufti Sohrab Alam Nadvi of Imarat-e-Shariah, Patna.
Prominent organisations including the Imarat-e-Shariah, Jamiatul Ulama-e-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Tablighi Jamaat were actively involved, along with representatives of numerous political and civil society groups.
Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, joined the protest as the chief guest alongside several religious leaders.
Addressing the crowd, speakers condemned the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it a “black law” that threatens the constitutional and democratic rights of the Muslim community.
They accused the Union government of deliberately targeting Muslims through such laws, which they said serve the interests of corporate giants like Adani and Ambani.
“The government is trying to grab Muslim properties under the guise of amendments and hand them over to capitalists,” alleged the speakers. “This is not just legislative overreach—it is mental harassment of an entire community. The movement will persist until this black law is rolled back.”
Protesters accused the Union government of sowing communal discord and fostering religious polarisation. They warned that the community’s patience was wearing thin in the face of repeated provocations.
Following the meeting, an “protest rally” began from Zeromile and passed through the main streets of Araria, concluding at Subhash Stadium. Delegations then submitted a memorandum of demands to the District Magistrate.
The protest was addressed by several key political and community figures, including former MP Sarfaraz Alam, Jokihat MLA Shahnawaz Alam, Araria MLA Abidur Rahman, former MLA Zakir Anwar, and leaders such as Sandeep Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Kanhaiya Kumar, Faisal Javed Yasin, Ashish Ranjan, Shad Ahmed, Rahmat Ali, Masoom Reza, Masoom Anjar, Ali Reza, and Asdur Rahman.
Religious leaders including Mufti Inaamul Bari of Malli Tanzeem, Maulana Shahid Adil, Qari Niaz Ahmed, Qazi Atiqullah Rahmani, and Arshad Anwar also addressed the gathering.
