Daijiworld Media Network- Bhopal
Bhopal, Apr 11: Congress MLA from Bhopal Madhya constituency, Arif Masood, on Thursday firmly declared that protests against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act will continue, stating that the Muslim community will not accept the law, which he termed as forcefully imposed by the Centre.
Speaking at a massive protest gathering in Bhopal, Masood emphasised that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has consistently opposed the Waqf Act and vowed to resist it at every level.
“This law was not brought to protect Waqf properties, but rather to tighten control over them,” alleged Masood. “It has been pushed through by the BJP-led government without consulting the community it most directly affects.”
He asserted that the agitation would persist until the Union government repeals the controversial legislation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was recently passed in both Houses of Parliament, received presidential assent on April 5 and came into effect from April 8. The law has triggered widespread dissent, with over 10 petitions filed in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutional validity. These petitions have been submitted by political leaders, AIMPLB, and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, among others.
The petitioners argue that the Act discriminates against Muslims by imposing restrictions not applicable to other religious endowments. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, is scheduled to hear the matter on April 16. Meanwhile, the Central government has filed a caveat to prevent any ex parte order.
Responding to the opposition, BJP Minister and MLA Vishwas Sarang countered Masood’s remarks, claiming that the broader Muslim population has welcomed the Act. He accused certain Muslim leaders of opposing the legislation for personal gain, alleging they were involved in illegal encroachments on Waqf land.
“The law is being misrepresented. Those with vested interests in misusing Waqf properties are the ones creating unrest,” Sarang said.