Hyderabad: The Congress party has announced a protest march called ‘Waqf Bachao March – Chalo Hyderabad’ to be held at Tank Bund on April 13. The protest is against the Waqf Amendment Bill.
At a joint press conference, several Congress leaders, including Telangana Minority Finance Corporation chairman Obedullah Kothwal and party leaders Osman Al-Hajri, Shaikh Akbar, and Mohd Saleem, expressed strong opposition to the new changes in the Waqf Act. They said the march will be a peaceful protest to raise awareness about how the changes could harm Waqf properties.
The leaders explained that the new Act could result in Waqf losing many of its properties. They warned that unauthorized tenants might be able to claim ownership of Waqf land, which they say goes against Articles 25, 26, and 14 of the Indian Constitution that protect religious rights and equality.
They also pointed out that the Muslim community has rejected the changes. According to them, the amended Act reduces the powers of the Central Waqf Council, Waqf Boards, Waqf Tribunals, and Waqf Survey Commissioners.
The Congress leaders added that the changes could lead to the loss of Muslim property, land, and religious places. They believe the amendments give the government more control over Waqf matters, which could weaken the role of Waqf boards. They concluded by saying this poses a threat to India’s diverse and multi-religious society.
