Muslim leaders urge Nitish, Naidu and others to block the controversial legislation
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A gathering of prominent Muslim scholars at Delhi’s Handiwali Mosque on Tuesday issued a stern warning to secular political parties, demanding they oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. They said the bill is a move to “grab” Waqf properties.
The bill, set to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday (April 2), has sparked fierce backlash, with religious leaders calling it an “attack on Muslim rights” and vowing electoral consequences.
“This Waqf Bill is not for reform but for snatching our properties. It’s unconstitutional and interference in our religious affairs,” said Muhammad Saeed Noori, head of Raza Academy, in an impassioned address. “Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan—all secular leaders must stand against this. If they don’t, Muslims will teach them a lesson when the time comes.”
The scholars accused the Modi government of following “British-era policies,” citing recent cuts to Eid rations alongside the proposed Waqf reforms. “Waqf land is our ancestors’ trust—we’ll sacrifice everything to protect it,” declared Maulana Ijaz Ahmed Kashmiri, the mosque’s imam. “First, they take away food, now they want our lands. Is this ‘secularism’?”
The meeting framed the bill as a litmus test for parties claiming to represent minorities. Mufti Sultan Raza warned, “Those who profit from Muslim votes must prove their secularism today.” Maulana Tahir-ul-Qadri added, “Hypocrisy won’t be forgiven. Muslims will remember their betrayal.”
Maulana Abbas Rizvi of Tehreek Durood wa Salam went further, urging unity “to save the Constitution,” while Maulana Nizamuddin bluntly stated, “We’ll see their true colours now.”
The bill’s supporters argue it aims to streamline Waqf property management, but critics allege hidden motives. “The real owner of the land is Allah—this bill is a theft,” said Maulana Ijaz Al-Qamar.
With tensions high, the scholars vowed nationwide protests if the bill advances. “Modi government, beware—we won’t surrender our rights,” Noori warned.
