A delegation of several Muslim organizations met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu in Vijayawada on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
The delegation, led by Dr. Asma Zehra, President of the All India Muslim Women’s Association, highlighted that the bill poses a “serious threat” to Waqf properties, which include mosques, madrasahs, and cemeteries. Zehra pointed to the critical role these places hold in the religious life of Muslims, saying, “This isn’t merely about property—it’s about our identity and survival.” She expressed fears that the bill could facilitate unchecked acquisition of these lands, a move that sits uncomfortably with the community’s memory of the Babri Mosque demolition.
The delegation detailed the constitutional breaches they say the bill represents. Former IAS officer Shafiq-us-Zaman argued that the bill’s proposal to grant district collectors authority over Waqf lands disregards the due role of the Waqf Board, calling it a “mockery” of existing systems that safeguard minority rights. He warned that the bill would not only strip community-led boards of their rights but would deepen the sense of insecurity among Muslims in India, particularly with accusations that often label them as “encroachers.”
Citing recent events, Shafiq-us-Zaman argued that the media has played a role in perpetuating baseless accusations, such as portrayal of Waqf as the “third-largest landowner in India” and framing Muslims as seizing government lands under false claims of Waqf. “This bill paves the way for these accusations to translate into official policies,” he asserted, urging Naidu to join the resistance.
Dr. Zehra referenced the Sachar Committee report from 2006, pointing out that Waqf assets, estimated to yield ₹12,000 crore in revenue, have largely been squandered or left unprotected, with only ₹600 crore realized thus far. “Instead of addressing existing encroachments and ensuring fair rental collection, the bill will hand over power to collectors to encroach further,” Zehra said.
Mobilizing Support to Protect Waqf Properties
Moulana Fazl Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, stressed that community’s pushback to the amendment has been evident, with over 3 million emails sent in just 15 days opposing the bill. He noted the concerning trend of demolitions targeting dargahs and cemeteries in states like Gujarat, acknowledging the Muslim community’s patience amid “mob lynchings and hate crimes,” but warned of a strong backlash if the bill proceeds.
The delegation urged the TDP leader to stand firm, recalling how his party opposed the Talaq Bill in 2018. The delegation recalled the legacy of TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao, the only major leader to openly resist the Babri Masjid’s demolition in 1992, saying, “We hope Naidu will remember the TDP’s heritage in standing up for minorities.”
Naidu’s Response and the Road Ahead
Minister of Minority Affairs Janab NMD Farooq conveyed that Naidu attentively heard the delegation’s concerns. The Chief Minister assured the group that he would “seriously consider” their appeal, noting his commitment to fair governance and to protecting minority interests in Andhra Pradesh.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to Naidu and presented their case to the Joint Parliamentary Committee in Hyderabad on September 28, 2024. AIMWA, the only female-led Muslim organization delegation so far, was lauded for its representation, drawing support from community intellectuals nationwide in opposition to the Waqf Bill.
The bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, now sits with a 31-member parliamentary panel tasked with reviewing it, with a report anticipated in the next session of Parliament.
