New Delhi, April 12: Maulana Sajid Rashidi, President of the All India Imam Association (AIIA), on Saturday appealed to Muslims across the country not to protest against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, emphasising the importance of peace and education over unrest.

Maulana Sajid Rashidi said that the Waqf Bill has now become law. “I don’t find anything in it that warrants taking to the streets. Yes, there are individuals who seem to want riots in the country, like Asaduddin Owaisi. His statements suggest that Muslims should rise and protest, warning of conspiracies to take away mosques. This kind of rhetoric, in my opinion, is aimed at inciting communal unrest,” he said.

He alleged that Owaisi’s thinking is that there should be unrest in the country so that he can emerge as ‘Jinnah’ and form another country.

He further criticised leaders and organisations he believes are provoking unrest for personal or political gain.

“Some of these people who are protesting have vast properties. Be it Owaisi in Hyderabad or members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board with land holdings in Rajasthan and Delhi – they are not representing the common Muslim. They are exploiting the situation for their benefit,” he said.

Maulana Rashidi expressed concern over the recent violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where protests turned violent, leading to arson and destruction of public property.

“Crowds are difficult to control once they are on the streets. We’ve seen what can happen – vehicles are burned, people get hurt, and chaos ensues. Protesting is a constitutional right, but it must be done peacefully. Taking to the streets only risks painting Muslims as troublemakers once again,” he added.

He further urged Muslims to shift focus toward progress and education.

“This is not the time to get arrested or invite trouble. Instead, we should concentrate on education, business, and national development. Other communities don’t take to the streets every time they disagree with a government decision. Why should only Muslims be pushed to do so?” he asked.

Reaffirming his support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, Maulana Rashidi said: “I supported the Act then, and I support it now. Why should Muslims oppose it just because someone tells us to? We are citizens of this country and have contributed immensely to its freedom. Over 37,000 Muslims are named in the records of revolutionaries at the National Museum. Why should we be labeled as stone-pelters or terrorists?”

He further reacted to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent statement that the Waqf Act would not be implemented in the state.

“No Chief Minister or individual has the authority to reject a law passed by Parliament and signed by the President. Such defiance is unconstitutional and amounts to treason. These are just vote-bank politics aimed at inciting Muslims. The Opposition is playing a dangerous game by trying to bring Muslims onto the streets.”

Maulana Rashidi concluded by appealing for introspection within the community.

“Why is the Opposition asking Muslims to protest? Have you seen any party saying, ‘Let Hindus join us on the streets too’? No. They just want Muslims to protest, and we end up paying the price. The Constitution does not allow selective implementation of laws. Muslims must think wisely, stay calm, and look at the bigger picture,” he said.

He further advised the community to reassess its political choices.

“For 60 years, Muslims supported Congress and other parties, yet we still feel marginalised. Why not give the BJP a chance for five years? If it doesn’t work, we can make another choice,” he concluded.

Lucknow, April 12: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has launched a broadside on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his silence during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Drawing parallels with the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she alleged that LoP Gandhi’s silence has triggered resentment among the Muslim community.

Taking to X on Saturday, Mayawati questioned the Congress MP’s inaction.

“Is it appropriate for the Leader of Opposition to remain silent during the lengthy debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha? Especially when the Opposition has flagged it as a violation of constitutional provisions — just like the CAA? The Muslim community’s anger over this silence is only natural. This has also created discomfort within the INDIA bloc,” she wrote.

The BSP leader further accused both the Congress and the BJP of betraying the interests of marginalised communities.

“Parties like the Congress and BJP are equally responsible for undermining the rights of Bahujans by rendering their reservations ineffective — both in government employment and in education. Religious minorities should also be cautious of their hollow promises,” she said.

The former UP Chief Minister further added that such policies have worsened the condition of Bahujans in Uttar Pradesh.

“Bahujans are facing distress in every sector while BJP workers act with impunity. The growing privatisation of electricity and other public sectors is adding to the problems. The government must uphold its constitutional duty to ensure public welfare,” she said.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, has now become law.

However, the legislation has sparked opposition from Congress, AIMIM, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). They have all filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutional validity.

Meanwhile, protests against the new law have erupted in various parts of the country. In Uttar Pradesh, the police remain on alert amid heightened tensions.

Religious leaders have urged the Muslim community to maintain peace and avoid any form of violent demonstration. Several Opposition parties have also expressed their support for the ongoing protests.

Bengaluru, April 11: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi on Friday launched a blistering attack on Congress, saying the grand old party was not only “anti-Hindu” but also against Dalits.

Talking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the Union Minister said: We have organised the ‘Bheem Hejje’ rally today to commemorate 100 years of B. R. Ambedkar’s visit to Nippani town in Belagavi district.

Union Minister Joshi said: “Despite our MLA Shashikala Jolle bringing it to the government’s attention that it has been 100 years since Babasaheb Ambedkar visited Nippani town, it didn’t organise a programme. Congress commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Belagavi. But why didn’t it commemorate the 100th year of Ambedkar’s visit?”

“Had the government organised it, we wouldn’t have done it ourselves. This event reflects our commitment,” he clarified.

“The Congress denied him a seat in the Constituent Assembly by ceding Hindu-majority regions to Pakistan. They made him lose elections twice and prevented him from being part of the interim government,” he charged.

The Union Minister claimed that the BJP will tell people how late Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had “opposed reservations for Dalits”.

“The Congress insulted AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and we will inform people about that too,” Union Minister Joshi stressed.

The BJP Karnataka unit said a garland-laying ceremony will be held at Babasaheb’s statue in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, following which the rally will depart from the grounds near BIC Exhibition Centre.

During the journey to Nippani, the party also planned to offer floral tributes at every statue of Ambedkar in taluk centres and villages along the route.

The BJP’s SC Morcha, ST Morcha, and all party workers are taking part in the rally, and a massive convention will be held in Nippani on April 15.