Chennai: A massive protest rally took place in Chennai on Friday, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. Demonstrators voiced their concerns over the bill, alleging that it contains unconstitutional and discriminatory provisions aimed at paralyzing Waqf Boards and encroaching on Waqf properties.
Tens of thousands participated in the demonstration near Rajaratnam Stadium in Egmore, organized by the Federation of Tamil Nadu Islamic Organizations in collaboration with several political parties.
In his speech, Maulana Fazal-e-Rahim Mujjadadi, General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, condemned the bill as a blatant interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community. He accused the government of introducing the bill with the intent to usurp Waqf properties and emphasized that the Board would utilize every democratic and legal means to block the legislation.
Maulana PA Khaja Moinudeen Bakavi, President of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Islamic Organizations, stated that the large turnout sends a clear message to the ruling class to refrain from such subversive actions. He pointed out that the proposed Waqf bill is opposed by all political parties in Tamil Nadu.
M.H. Jawahirullah, President of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) and MLA, criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks suggesting that the bill would be approved during the Winter Session of Parliament. He highlighted that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is still reviewing the bill, and Shah’s comments undermine the ongoing national consultations funded by public resources. Jawahirullah argued that this process appears to be a waste of time and resources, with the government pushing the bill without careful consideration.
Notable figures such as Trichy Siva (DMK floor leader in the Rajya Sabha), K. Selvaperunthagai (TN Congress Committee President), Dr. Thol Thirumavalavan (President of the Viduthalai
Siruthaikal Katchi), and various other leaders and representatives from political and community organizations addressed the gathering.
The speakers highlighted several key concerns:
• The bill undermines rights granted to minorities by the Constitution.
• It introduces amendments that discriminate against Muslims.
• The bill facilitates the encroachment of Waqf properties by easing penalties for encroachers.
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