A large number of Muslims in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, Bhopal, burst firecrackers on Wednesday to express their support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was presented in the Lok Sabha earlier in the day.
People from various organizations and groups, including women and children, gathered at a central location in the city to welcome the Union government’s decision to introduce the Bill. Many were seen holding posters, placards, and banners supporting the Waqf Amendment Bill and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
वक्फ बिल के समर्थन में थाना बिलखिरिया क्षेत्र की रहमत मस्जिद के बाहर जश्न की तैयारियां चल रही हैं। ढोल-नगाड़े गूंज रहे हैं और दोपहर 12 बजे मिठाई का वितरण किया जाएगा।#WaqfBill #WaqfAmendmentbill #Waqfboard pic.twitter.com/VNAN6yQJsq
— The Frustrated Indian (@FrustIndian) April 2, 2025
The celebration came as a surprise to many, as the Muslim bodies like AIMPLB and the opposition has been fearmongering against the Bill. Even during Ramadan, protesters were seen wearing black armbands during namaz as a mark of protest.
The Bill is currently being discussed in the Lok Sabha as the Union government pushes for its passage amid hue and cry from opposition parties and Muslim organizations, including the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board. If cleared in the lower house, the Bill will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (April 3).
On Tuesday, opposition parties staged a walkout from the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, protesting against what they called inadequate time for discussion. Pertinently, the bill will witness an elaborate discussions spanning at least eight hours.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the government’s stance while tabling the Bill and addressed concerns during the discussion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently said in an interview that the Waqf Amendment Bill aligns with constitutional provisions and that “no one should be afraid of the proposed legislation.”
The Bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board’s functions, ensuring the efficient administration of these properties.
