Congress MLA Arif Masood Vows to Persist in Protests Against Waqf Act
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Synopsis
Congress MLA Arif Masood organized protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bhopal, stating that the Muslim community will not accept this law. He accused the BJP government of imposing it forcefully. The Supreme Court is expected to hear over 10 petitions challenging the law's validity soon.
Key Takeaways
- Protests led by Congress MLA Arif Masood against the Waqf Act.
- The Muslim community's strong opposition to the new law.
- Supreme Court to hear petitions challenging the Waqf Act.
- Allegations of discrimination against Muslims in the law.
- BJP claims support from the larger Muslim population.
Bhopal, April 10 (NationPress) Congress MLA Arif Masood, who led a demonstration against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bhopal on Thursday, emphasized that the Muslim community will categorically reject this newly implemented legislation and that the demonstrations against it will persist.
Speaking to a sizable crowd of individuals from the Muslim community, Masood, the MLA representing the Bhopal Madhya assembly seat, stated, “The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has consistently opposed the Waqf Act and will continue to do so at all levels.”
He further accused that this law was not introduced to safeguard Waqf, reiterating that the BJP-led government has forcibly enforced the Waqf (Amendment) Act upon the Muslim community.
“The protests against this legislation will carry on until the Centre rescinds it,” he asserted.
It is noteworthy that after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025 was approved in both Houses of Parliament, President Draupadi Murmu on April 5 granted her approval, turning it into an Act, which took effect on April 8.
More than 10 petitions, including those from politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, have been filed in the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the legality of the new law.
The petitioners argue that the law's provisions discriminate against Muslims by imposing restrictions not applicable to the governance of other religious endowments.
The SC bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is set to review the matter on April 16.
The Centre has already filed a caveat in the apex court to ensure no orders are issued without its prior hearing.
In response to Aarif Masood’s remarks, BJP MLA and Minister Wiswas Sarang stated that the large Muslim population has embraced the Waqf Act.
He claimed that only a few Muslim leaders, who have illegally encroached upon Waqf properties, are opposing it for their personal benefit.
