The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked sharp criticism and symbolic protests from across the country, led prominently by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and TPCC General Secretary and Congress MLC-elect Addanki Dayakar. The bill, introduced by the Centre, is facing backlash for its alleged infringement on religious autonomy and democratic principles.
Key Highlights:
AIMPLB’s Black Band Protest Gains Momentum
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) called upon Muslims to wear black arm bands while offering Alvida Jumma prayers in protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill. The response was visible across major cities including Hyderabad and Lucknow, where many worshippers were seen participating in the symbolic gesture.
In Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the bill, joined the protest by wearing a black band during Friday prayers. Speaking to ANI, he strongly condemned the bill:
“We are supporting a black band against the Waqf Bill, by the order of AIMPLB. Through this Waqf Bill, Narendra Modi is shooting bullets at our chest, at our mosques, on our dargahs… When Hindu temples can have only Hindu members, how can a non-Muslim be part of the Waqf Board?”
Owaisi questioned the fairness and logic behind the bill, drawing parallels to other religious bodies like Hindu temple committees and Gurudwara management boards, which are restricted to members of their respective faiths.
Dayakar Criticizes Centre’s Approach and Democratic Bypass
Addanki Dayakar, TPCC General Secretary and a newly elected MLC from the Congress, echoed Owaisi’s concerns and labeled the bill as an attack on parliamentary democracy. He argued that the proposed amendments threaten religious independence, particularly by enabling government interference in the management of Waqf properties.
Dayakar emphasized that the voices of the Muslim community, opposition leaders, and Congress representatives in the JPC were deliberately ignored during the legislative process.
“This bill could create problems by interfering with the independence of communities and religions… Objections from the Muslim community and opposition parties were not considered,” he said.
He also accused the BJP-led government of fuelling communal division and undermining democratic processes by pushing the bill without meaningful dialogue or consensus.
Controversy Surrounding Waqf Board Composition
A key point of contention in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is the proposal to include non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, a move which critics argue is unconstitutional and discriminatory. Protesters claim that such a change contradicts the very purpose of a religious trust designed for Muslim welfare and administration.
Both Owaisi and Dayakar argued that religious boards must retain their internal autonomy, just as is permitted in other communities.
A Growing Opposition Against the Waqf Amendment Bill
As the Waqf Amendment Bill continues to move through legislative channels, resistance is intensifying on both political and community fronts. The black band protest, spearheaded by AIMPLB and supported by leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Addanki Dayakar, is a clear sign of widespread discontent.
The coming weeks will determine whether this protest gains further momentum and whether the government chooses to reconsider its stance amid growing criticism from religious leaders, political representatives, and civil society.
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