RSS-BJP Criticized for Ignoring Minority Voices in Parliament
Srinagar 04 April 2025: A Controversial Bill Ignites Political Backlash – As the Rajya Sabha passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Friday, senior National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has strongly condemned the legislation, accusing the RSS-BJP regime of reaffirming its “anti-Muslim, anti-minority intent.” Mehdi, in a sharply worded statement, criticized the government for its majoritarian approach, claiming it has “ignored and humiliated” the lived realities of Muslims in India.
Structural Marginalization in Parliament
Mehdi expressed frustration over not being allowed to speak during the debate on the bill, terming it as “structural marginalization.” He stated, “As a Muslim voice from Kashmir in Parliament, I was denied the opportunity to represent the people I speak for. This exclusion from the discussion is not just procedural; it reflects the deep anguish and alienation felt by the Muslim community.”
The MP further argued that the bill, which takes away Waqf autonomy and abolishes “Waqf by user,” is nothing short of “state-sponsored dispossession.” Mehdi claimed the amendments would pave the way for land grabbers to lay claim to Muslim properties, endangering the integrity and autonomy of Waqf lands.
A Voice of Resistance: Mehdi’s Stand
Defying the passage of the bill, Mehdi vowed to continue his fight against what he described as a “belligerent and bigoted attack on Muslims.” He stated, “My commitment to combating this injustice will only grow stronger. The interests of the minority community cannot be trampled upon in this manner.”
Political Reactions: Divided Opinions
The Waqf Amendment Bill has generated strong reactions across Jammu and Kashmir’s political spectrum. People’s Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone criticized the National Conference for what he perceived as its lackluster response in Parliament. “J&K is the only Muslim majority province in India. Our parliamentarians should have roared like lions, not meowed like cats,” Lone remarked.
He urged all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to take a more proactive stance on the matter, promising unconditional support for any Waqf-related legislation brought to the J&K Assembly. “If NC genuinely intends to protect Waqf properties, we will stand by them without hesitation. But they need to answer why their delivery in Parliament was so apologetic.”
The Dark Era of Majoritarianism
Mehdi’s statement also highlighted a broader critique of India’s political landscape under the RSS-BJP regime. “Today, India has moved into a dark era of brute majoritarianism, where the interests of minorities are systematically sidelined,” he said. Mehdi pointed out that the BJP’s absence of Muslim MPs further alienates the minority voice and undermines the moral authority to legislate on issues affecting the Muslim community.
What’s Next for Waqf Properties?
As debates surrounding the bill continue, questions remain about the implications for Waqf properties and the rights of minority communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders are urging a unified approach to protect these lands and safeguard the autonomy of Waqf institutions.
For Mehdi and other leaders, the fight against the legislation represents a deeper struggle to preserve the dignity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim population in the face of growing political and institutional challenges.
