Daijiworld Media Network – Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 4: National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government over the recently passed Waqf Bill, calling it a clear display of "anti-Muslim and anti-minority intent" by the RSS-BJP regime.

In a strongly worded statement, Mehdi said the current dispensation has "no moral or political right to speak for Muslims", pointing out that the BJP does not have a single Muslim MP. "Today, India has moved into a dark era of brute majoritarianism, where minority interests have been shown the door. With the passing of the Waqf Bill, the RSS-BJP regime has strongly reaffirmed its anti-Muslim, anti-minority intent," he said.

The Srinagar MP expressed anguish over being denied an opportunity to voice his concerns in Parliament. "As a Muslim voice from Kashmir in Parliament, I was not even allowed to speak. Time was taken at both the introduction and passage of the bill by the floor leader of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, leaving no space for my intervention. This is structural marginalisation. And it has caused deep anguish among the people I represent," he remarked.

Mehdi further alleged that the bill, which abolishes the concept of 'Waqf by user' and centralises control over Waqf properties, would lead to dispossession of Muslim lands. “Taking away Waqf autonomy, abolishing 'Waqf by user', and allowing land grabbers to claim Muslim properties is nothing but state-sponsored dispossession,” he added.

Describing the situation as a blow to the democratic ethos of the country, Mehdi said, “In the temple of democracy, the lived realities of Muslims were ignored and humiliated.”

The passage of the Waqf Bill has triggered widespread criticism and student-led protests, particularly from minority communities and rights groups who allege it undermines community rights and heritage protection.