Shabbir Ali leads protest in Nizamabad against Waqf Amendment Act, alleges BJP seeks to seize Muslim assets

HYDERABAD: Telangana Government Advisor and senior Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Sunday led a massive protest in Nizamabad against the recently enacted Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, accusing the BJP-led Central Government of attempting to usurp Muslim religious assets under the pretext of legal reform.

Addressing thousands of protesters, Shabbir Ali described the new legislation as unconstitutional, anti-minority, and a dangerous violation of the fundamental rights of Muslims. He alleged that the Act was part of a larger agenda to weaken the community socially, economically, and religiously.

“This is not about reform. This is a carefully planned conspiracy by the BJP Government to snatch away Waqf properties that were donated over centuries for the welfare of the Muslim community,” he said. “The amendments give sweeping powers to District Collectors to survey and control these properties, bypassing the Waqf Boards. This is a direct violation of our constitutional and religious rights.”

He strongly opposed the provision in the Act that allows non-Muslims to be appointed as members of Waqf Boards. “Waqf institutions are meant for the benefit of Muslims. Until now, only Muslims could serve on the Board, which was consistent with the spirit and purpose of Waqf. What justification is there to allow members of other religions to manage our religious and charitable institutions?” he questioned.

Shabbir Ali, who is one of the petitioners challenging the Act in the Supreme Court, informed the gathering that he had filed the case at his own expense, following directions from senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy. “We will fight this Act not only on the streets but also in the courts. I have full faith in the Constitution and the Supreme Court. We will not allow this law to be implemented under any circumstance,” he declared.

He noted that during the hearing on 17 April, the Supreme Court had taken serious note of the issues raised and had granted interim relief by staying certain provisions of the Act, including the transfer of powers to District Collectors. “This is a positive step. The next hearing is scheduled for 5 May, and we are confident that the court will strike down this draconian law,” he said.

Referring to legal arguments presented before the apex court, Shabbir Ali said senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Salman Khurshid had clearly demonstrated how the Act violated Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. “One of the most dangerous amendments is the removal of the concept of ‘Waqf by user’, which previously protected religious properties long used by the community even if not formally recorded. Now, the Centre wants to erase this historical and religious recognition,” he said.

Shabbir Ali warned that thousands of mosques, graveyards, dargahs, and other community properties could be endangered if the amended Act is enforced. “This is an organised attempt to take away our heritage. The BJP is not reforming Waqf; it is trying to capture it,” he alleged.

He further linked the legislation to a broader pattern of the BJP’s alleged communal agenda. “From CAA to NRC, from bulldozer politics to the targeting of madrasas, the BJP has repeatedly shown it has no respect for minorities. This Waqf Amendment Act is yet another tool to marginalise Muslims and polarise the nation,” he charged.

Calling for unity and sustained resistance, Shabbir Ali urged people across Telangana and the country to remain vigilant and continue the peaceful struggle. “This is not just a legal battle; it concerns the very future of our community. We will stand united, we will fight together, and we will ensure that justice prevails,” he said.