Thousands assembled on the streets of Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad on Friday – following the weekly prayers of the Muslim community – to demonstrate against the Waqf Amendment Bill approved by Parliament this week.
Images from the capital of Bengal depicted a substantial group of people waving the national flag and holding signs stating ‘we reject Waqf amendment’ and ‘Reject Waqf Bill’ assembling at public meeting locations. Numerous protests, according to news agency ANI, were arranged by the Joint Forum for Waqf Protection.
Footage of the demonstrations in Ahmedabad indicated a more intense environment; a clip shared by ANI depicted police attempting to forcibly displace senior protesters sitting on the road. Authorities arrested the leader of the state branch of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeem, also known as AIMIM, along with 40 of its supporters.
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Similar events occurred in Chennai, where actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam declared a statewide demonstration. TVK employees assembled in Chennai and prominent cities such as Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli, chanting slogans like ‘oppose the Waqf Bill’ and ‘protect Muslims’ rights’.
The Tamil actor-politician, regarded as a growing dark horse ahead of next year’s Assembly election, labeled the Waqf Bill as “anti-democratic” and claimed that its approval raises concerns about India’s secular base.
Ashish Srivastava, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Lucknow) stated, “We have instructed everyone to form an opinion only after reviewing the entire bill and we are continuously monitoring social media…”
The demonstrations in Bengal will fuel the tensions rising before next year’s election, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already stated she will ensure the state’s Muslims do not lose their lands.
Blaming the BJP for attempting to fracture the nation, a claim also made by the Congress – she stated that the bill would be revoked once the new non-BJP administration takes over the central government.
