Muslim Groups Mobilize Against Wakf Amendment Bill
Muslim groups in Hyderabad have started holding meetings to gather public support against the Wakf Amendment Bill. They are making plans to protest and are urging the ruling Congress party in Telangana to pass a resolution against the bill. The state government is expected to hold a special session in early March, and the groups want it to align with Congress’s national stance.
These groups have become more vocal after the Joint Committee on the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, presented its report in Parliament earlier this month. With political backing, discussions around the bill have intensified, especially as the holy month of Ramzan approaches. Some activists suggest escalating protests during Ramzan, while others propose holding a massive rally after the fasting period in Hyderabad.
On February 22, Telangana Muslim Organisations JAC organized a roundtable meeting on the bill. The participants urged the state government to pass a resolution against the bill and send it to the Union government. The meeting, led by Saleem Pasha, discussed past events and accused authorities of deliberately pushing the Muslim community into poverty by taking away their rights.
During another meeting on Sunday, Congress leaders Osman Al Hajiri and Shaikh Akbar, along with CPI leader and former MP Aziz Pasha, spoke about the issue. Aziz Pasha said he is addressing the matter at the national level and that Muslim intellectuals plan to submit a memorandum to the President of India soon. He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing in Delhi and that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board is closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, politicians opposing the bill will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on March 10.
Congress leaders announced that after Ramzan, a large rally will be organized in early April to protest against the bill. Osman Al Hajiri emphasized their commitment to protecting Wakf lands.
Madhu Yashki Goud, chairman of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) campaign committee, assured full support for safeguarding Wakf lands. He reiterated that Congress has always stood with marginalized communities and is committed to protecting their rights.
