Opposition must debate Waqf bill, not walk out: Bengal’s Muslim leaders urge

West Bengal Muslim groups unite to oppose new Waqf bill, urge opposition MPs to participate in discussions.

Multiple Muslim groups of West Bengal came together on March 8 and made an appeal to opposition MPs in the Parliament to not boycott the discussions on the Waqf bill and walk out. They have urged all of them to take part in the discussion if the Waqf issue is tabled and make their voices heard in the parliament. 

Also Read | Opposition members raise an array of objections to Waqf Amendment Bill 

The leaders of groups like All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, All India Tabligh-e-Seerat, and many more were present at the meeting where they also announced a peaceful dharna (protest) in the heart of Kolkata scheduled for March 10. This dharna will come three days before the national dharna set to be held in Delhi on March 13 by pan-Indian Muslim groups to condemn the new Waqf amendment bill. 

The organisations said that this bill is a “declaration of war against Muslims”. They also said that lack of consultation from Muslim leaders and stakeholders before amending the laws is “unconstitutional and undemocratic which is against the core value of a democratic country like India.” 

Abu Talib Rahmani, Member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board said that allegations of Waqf board taking away other properties in the name of Waqf is a “wrong allegation”. He stated that it is illegal for any following Muslim person to forcefully take anyones land or property.  

Mr Abu Talib added, “There is corruption in Waqf board as well, like any other organisation India. But it is the government’s responsibility to systematically stop the corruption. We will be in complete support if they do. But one corrupt person does not mean the whole body is corrupt.” 

He urged, “I ask Mamata Banerjee to ask her MPs and all other opposition MPs to not walk out and boycott discussions on Waqf bill. They should stay in the parliament and participate in the debate, oppose, argue, and make the minority voices heard.”