Synopsis
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board's protest against the Waqf Bill in Patna has ignited a significant political dialogue. Shamim Akhtar, AIMIM's state Secretary, believes this protest will surpass the anti-CAA and NRC movements in impact. Akhtar emphasized the need for broader support against government policies affecting minority rights.Key Takeaways
- The AIMPLB's protest against the Waqf Bill has begun in Patna.
- Shamim Akhtar believes this movement will be larger than the anti-CAA protests.
- The protest aims to unite various communities against government policies.
- There is criticism of political leaders' absence from the protest.
- Akhtar warns of the government's attempts to undermine minority rights.
Patna, March 26 (NationPress) The demonstration initiated by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Bihar's capital, Patna, on March 26 has ignited considerable political debate. Shamim Akhtar, the state Secretary of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), asserted that this protest against the Bill would evolve into a larger movement than the anti-CAA and NRC protests witnessed in an Independent India.
In an interview with IANS, Shamim Akhtar underscored the escalating momentum of the movement, predicting that it would significantly influence the government.
“Up to now, the government has not experienced any substantial repercussions, but this protest will soon transform into a mass movement. The CAA-NRC protests marked a pivotal moment for Muslims in Azaad Bharat, shaking the government. Subsequently, the pandemic emerged, causing a slowdown in momentum. However, I am confident that this movement will surpass the power of the anti-CAA/NRC protests in Independent India,” he stated.
Akhtar further mentioned that the protest would unite a broader demographic and scrutinize the government’s policies even more closely.
He criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, for his absence from the protest.
"Rahul Gandhi is situated far away in Delhi, approximately a thousand kilometres from Patna. When protests occurred at Jantar Mantar, he was missing. Even Sonia Gandhi, who is merely three to four kilometres away from the protest site, did not show up," Akhtar remarked, questioning the Congress party's silence on such a crucial matter.
"The Muslims of this nation, along with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, are eager to understand why Congress is not providing any support. Why are they not vocally opposing the Bill, which undermines both Muslims and the Constitution of India?” he added.
As the protest gains momentum, Akhtar stated that it would intensify in the upcoming weeks.
"While I cannot predict the exact developments, I anticipate that post-Ramzan and Eid, this movement will accelerate. There are discussions of a nationwide movement, with Gardani Bagh-style protests anticipated in every district of Bihar and across the country, akin to the indefinite sit-ins during the CAA-NRC protests," Akhtar mentioned.
When questioned about whether the protest could attract attention and support from Islamic nations, Akhtar highlighted the importance of addressing the issue domestically.
"I will discuss Islamic countries later. However, concerning the situation within our own nation India, it is our duty to handle the issues at home before seeking assistance from abroad," he explained.
He further stated, "This country belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of their religion, class, or community. Various social organizations and political parties, including Bhim Army, Jan Suraaj, RJD, and others, are backing us. This illustrates that the issue transcends merely the Muslim community — it’s about safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring the rights of all individuals."
"The Modi government is attempting to marginalize minorities. The Waqf Board issue directly affects Muslims. It is our right to manage our own Waqf properties and make decisions regarding them," he stated.
Using an analogy involving a temple, he expressed, "If I were to hand the keys of a temple to someone from another community instead of a Hindu priest, how could I expect the temple’s interests to be safeguarded? Likewise, the Waqf Board is a Muslim issue, and we have the authority to make decisions about it."
Akhtar also criticized the introduction of the triple talaq Bill, accusing the Modi government of intervening in Muslim personal law.
"When the triple talaq Bill was enacted, Modi Ji didn’t instruct us on how to uphold our marriage, yet he sought to dictate how we should divorce. Our Shariat already outlines a clear structure for marriage, divorce, and other personal matters. Now, with the Waqf Bill, the government is attempting to meddle in our community’s affairs, and this endeavor will not succeed," Akhtar asserted.
He concluded by emphasizing that the Waqf Bill represents a broader conspiracy to weaken the Constitution, which will be resisted by people throughout India.
Meanwhile, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, joined the AIMPLB’s demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
