Rashid Alvi Backs Muslim Body’s Plan to Protest Against Waqf Bill
The ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has taken a new turn with Congress leader Rashid Alvi expressing his support for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) plan to protest against the bill in Delhi on March 17. The AIMPLB has been at the forefront of opposing the bill, which aims to bring reforms to the Waqf Act, 1995, and has been critical of the government’s move to amend the law without consulting the Muslim community.
Rashid Alvi, a senior Congress leader, has backed the AIMPLB’s decision to protest peacefully against the bill, stating that it is the right of the Muslim community to express their dissent against a law that they believe is detrimental to their interests. “The Waqf Bill is against the Muslim community…if they want to peacefully protest, they’ve all the right to do so,” Alvi said in an interview.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to bring reforms to the Waqf Act, 1995, by allowing the government to appoint the chairman of the Central Waqf Council, which is the apex body for Waqf properties in the country. The bill also proposes to increase the number of members of the Council, introduce a mechanism for the appointment of members, and provide for the constitution of a high-powered committee to oversee the functioning of the Council.
However, the AIMPLB and other Muslim organizations have been critical of the bill, stating that it is an attempt by the government to undermine the autonomy of the Waqf boards and encroach upon the rights of the Muslim community. They have also expressed concerns that the bill may lead to the government taking control of Waqf properties, which are considered sacred by the Muslim community.
The AIMPLB has been at the forefront of opposing the bill, and has called upon the Muslim community to come out and protest peacefully against the bill on March 17 in Delhi. The organization has also sought the support of other Muslim organizations and civil society groups in their protest against the bill.
Rashid Alvi’s support for the AIMPLB’s protest is significant, as it comes from a senior leader of the Congress party, which is a major opposition party in the country. The Congress party has been critical of the government’s move to amend the Waqf Act without consulting the Muslim community, and has sought to know the reasons behind the government’s decision to introduce the bill.
In recent months, there has been a growing sense of unease among the Muslim community in India, with concerns being raised about the government’s intentions towards the community. The government’s move to amend the Waqf Act has been seen as an attempt to undermine the autonomy of the Waqf boards and encroach upon the rights of the Muslim community.
The AIMPLB’s protest against the Waqf Bill is seen as a major challenge to the government’s move to amend the law, and is likely to put pressure on the government to reconsider its decision. The government’s willingness to engage with the Muslim community and address their concerns is critical, as any move to undermine the autonomy of the Waqf boards and encroach upon the rights of the Muslim community is likely to have serious consequences.
In conclusion, Rashid Alvi’s support for the AIMPLB’s protest against the Waqf Bill is a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding the bill. The Congress leader’s statement highlights the need for the government to engage with the Muslim community and address their concerns, and is a reminder that the government’s move to amend the Waqf Act without consulting the Muslim community is unacceptable.
As the debate surrounding the Waqf Bill continues, it is essential that the government listens to the concerns of the Muslim community and takes steps to address their concerns. The AIMPLB’s protest against the bill is a major challenge to the government’s move to amend the law, and is likely to put pressure on the government to reconsider its decision.
