Members of the Youth Minority Federation held a protest rally on April 3, 2025 at the WAQF (Amendment) bill in Kolkata. Image source: ANI
Members of minority communities held a protest at the Park Circus Crossing point in Kolkata on Friday (4 April 2025) demanding immediate evacuation of the WAQF (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The bill was passed by parliament earlier on Friday and after a long 13-hour debate, it was approved by Rajya Sabha.
Hundreds of Muslims took to the streets of metropolitan cities to express opposition to controversial legislation, and several minority groups joined the protests.
One protester said: “This bill is a strategy for the BJP to split the country due to their majority. They have passed the bills of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. We oppose this authoritarian approach. It is not only an attempt to seize Muslim property, but an attempt to us.”
The demonstrations caused traffic disruptions in the area and there were large congregations of people on the streets.
Also Read | SC Action on WAQF Bills Hours After Parliament Clearance
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also criticized the BJP for introducing the WAQF bill, accusing it of trying to split the country. Ms. Banerjee promised that when the current regime was “removed” she would make an amendment to invalidate it.
Discussions on the parliamentary bill have witnessed the firm opposition from the opposition, which calls it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional”, and the government responds that “historical reforms” will benefit minority communities.
The bill was passed in Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting for it, while 95 opposed it. It was passed in Lok Sabha earlier on Thursday, with 288 members supporting the legislation and 232 opposing it.
publishing – April 4, 2025 05:30 pm ist
