Protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, continued as the West Bengal Jamiat-E-Ulma held a rally at Esplanade in Kolkata on Thursday. A large number of people from neighbouring districts joined the gathering, where the main speaker was the state's Mass Education Extension and Library Services Minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury.
The bill, introduced in Parliament earlier this year “with an aim to streamline the Waqf Board's work and ensure the efficient management of Waqf properties”, is facing significant protests from Muslims across India.
#WATCH | Maulana Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of West Bengal Jamiat-e-Ulama organises a public meeting to register their protest against the Waqf (Amendment) bill brought by the central govt and under consideration of the JPC
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024
Maulana Siddiqullah Chowdhury says, "The… pic.twitter.com/JeBUG7FZKM
Chowdhury, the MLA from Manteshwar in Purba Bardhaman district, described the proposed amendments as a BJP-led conspiracy to take control of Waqf board properties across India, including mosques, madrasas, and hospitals. He also condemned the bill as an assault on the fundamental rights of Indian Muslims.
“If the central government forcefully passes the bill, we will reveal our true resolve without fear of death,” the 75-year-old declared, eliciting thunderous applause from the massive crowd gathered at the Rani Rashmoni Avenue. “This is not the time for political whataboutery. We are in a do-or-die situation. This is a fight for our existence. This is a fight to protect our assets.”
Emphasising that Waqf is not a political issue but an integral part of their faith, he stated, “Let’s go to Furfura Sharif [where the shrines of reformers Panch Huzur Qeblah stand] where masjids have many properties. Masjids can own many properties. But whoare you [to question the ownership] of these properties?”
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also attacked the BJP-led Centre over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, warning that its implementation would adversely affect the Waqf system and disrupt the management of Waqf properties.
Complaining that the bill specifically targets a particular community, Mamata remarked, “Waqf properties are not solely funded by Muslims; people from other communities contribute as well. These properties support significant developmental activities. Will they now face eviction by bulldozers?”
The Trinamool supremo claimed that the federal structure was also undermined as the Centre did not consult the state governments about the proposed amendments. “I think this matter should have been discussed with the states. Because the states also have Waqf properties,” added Mamata.
