Why is Bihar's VIP Rallying Against the Waqf Act?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- VIP supports minority rights
- Opposition to the Waqf Act is growing
- Mukesh Sahani leads the charge
- Rally marks a significant political moment
- Concerns over Waqf properties and rights
Patna, June 29 (NationPress) The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) has publicly shown its backing for the rally against the Waqf Act at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, reaffirming its stance against the legislation while joining the cause to defend minority rights.
VIP's national president and former Bihar minister Mukesh Sahani remarked, “Just as a fish cannot survive without water, the Waqf Board is vital for Muslims.”
He criticized the BJP for allegedly trying to strip the impoverished, Dalits, backward classes, and minorities of their rights, accusing the government of planning to exploit places of worship and Muslim heritage under the pretext of the Waqf Act.
Sahani characterized the rally at Gandhi Maidan as merely the beginning, stating, “This government aims to seize the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and minorities. Hence, the BJP continuously attempts to amend the Constitution. Our party has consistently opposed the Waqf Act and will persist in its opposition. The government must retract this law.”
Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, shared similar sentiments regarding the Waqf Act, alleging that the BJP is plotting against the Muslim community.
The rally at Gandhi Maidan is taking place amid rising dissent from various parties and community groups against the Waqf Act, with leaders asserting that it jeopardizes the rights of the Muslim community and endangers their religious heritage.
Notable attendees included Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, Salman Khurshid, and VIP leaders like Mohammad Nurul Hoda, Iftikhar Ahmed, Arjun Sahani, Premananda Beldar, Dev Jyoti, Sunil Nishad, among others.
The “Waqf Bachao-Samvidhan Bachao” rally is occurring against a backdrop of escalating political tension in Bihar, as voter lists are being revised and concerns rise within minority communities regarding the safeguarding of Waqf properties and constitutional rights ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.