Muslim Leader Condemns PM Modi’s Remarks on Waqf Law Ahead of Parliament Session

Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent comments suggesting there is "no place for Waqf law in the Constitution." The remarks come as the Union government prepares to table the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during the Parliament's Winter Session, a move opposed by various Muslim organizations and opposition parties.

Madani described the Prime Minister’s statement as "frivolous" and warned that undermining Waqf—a key Islamic institution mentioned in the Hadith—could lead to restrictions on broader Muslim religious practices like offering prayers or performing Hajj.

The proposed bill seeks to curtail the powers of Waqf boards in managing properties and introduces increased government regulation. PM Modi criticized the Congress for enacting Waqf-related laws in the past, accusing it of "appeasement politics" and ignoring constitutional principles.

Addressing a gathering in Patna, Madani urged NDA allies, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, to oppose the bill, warning that their support would alienate Muslim communities. He called on these leaders to uphold their commitments to minority rights, suggesting that their response to this issue would determine their credibility among Muslim voters.

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Madani also accused BJP leaders of practicing "politics of hate," referencing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s campaign rhetoric labeling Muslims as infiltrators. Despite these challenges, Madani highlighted solidarity between Hindus and Muslims in resisting divisive politics, citing the BJP’s defeat in Jharkhand as evidence of collective resistance against communal narratives.