AIMPLB To Protest In Patna And Vijayawada Against Waqf Bill, Muslim Body Plans Demonstrations In Other Capital Cities

On Sunday (23 March), the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) declared a countrywide protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. The initial phase of the demonstration includes large sit-ins scheduled in front of the state assemblies in Patna and Vijayawada on 26 March and 29 March, respectively.

SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for AIMPLB, has announced that leaders from the JD(U), RJD, Congress, and Lok Janshakti Party, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, have received invitations to the event in Patna.

He mentioned that in Andhra Pradesh, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), YSR Congress, Congress, and Left parties have all been extended invitations.

The demonstrations will feature the participation of the AIMPLB's senior leadership, as well as representatives from national and state-level religious and social groups, according to a statement.

On behalf of the board, Ilyas extended his appreciation to all Muslim organisations, civil society groups, and leaders representing Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and other minority communities.

“Without the grace of Allah and the united support of these groups, the success of the Delhi demonstration would not have been possible,” he was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

He also expressed gratitude towards the opposition parties and parliament members. Their significant participation in the Delhi protest and firm rejection of the proposed legislation was greatly appreciated.

The Action Committee of the AIMPLB, comprising 31 members, has decided to employ all constitutional, legal, and democratic strategies to contest the bill. They have characterised this bill as "controversial, discriminatory, and damaging".

Members of the Joint Committee of Parliament from the opposition will participate in the sit-ins. The aim of these demonstrations, as articulated by Ilyas, is to unequivocally communicate to the BJP's coalition partners that they must either retract their backing for the Bill or “risk losing our support”.

The board has devised a comprehensive plan for nationwide unrest, which includes organising protests in every state capital. The statement announced that significant demonstrations are planned in several cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Malerkotla (Punjab), and Ranchi.