BJD Minority Cell stages protests against Waqf Bill in Bhubaneswar

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Minority Cell staged a demonstration in front of the Odisha Raj Bhavan on Sunday, opposing the proposed  Waqf (Amendment) Bill by the Central Government.

A massive rally was carried out, with participants, holding placards and banners, protesting and raising slogans against the Centre’s proposal.

The conch party demanded the withdrawal of the Bill and urged a reconsideration of the measure of mandating other community members into the Waqf committee. Additionally, to voice their objections, a memorandum addressed to the President of India was submitted to the Sub-Collector of Khurda.

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In the memorandum, the BJD Minority cell said that the proposed changes in the Waqf Bill have "far-reaching implications" on the autonomy, protection, and governance of Waqf properties, considered sacred and integral to the religious and social welfare of the Muslim community.

BJD Minority Cell President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Munna Khan, was on the site of protests and stated that “the Central Government is trying to take over Waqf properties and hence trying to introduce several amendments and bills.”

Khan also decried the Bill and said he would seek active measures to express further condemnation against the Centre’s proposal.

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In response, BJP Odisha State President Manmohan Samal criticized the BJD’s opposition. He reiterated that the Central Government is committed to ensuring justice for all without appeasement of any particular group.

“99.9% of the country is already supporting the bill in its entirety. Justice will be done and injustice will be repealed,” stated Samal.

(With inputs from PTI)