Warangal: Senior BRS leader Shaik Abdullah Sohail on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Act, describing it as a direct threat to the autonomy of Waqf Boards and an attempt to seize control of Muslim community assets. He made the remarks while addressing an all-party protest held in Warangal, following a national call to action by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
“This isn’t just a legal change—it’s a targeted attack on our constitutional rights and the institutions that serve our community,” Abdullah Sohail said. “Waqf Boards oversee properties dedicated to orphans, the poor, education, and religious needs. This amendment undermines their independence and invites political interference and encroachment.”
Abdullah Sohail emphasised that the opposition to the Act transcends party politics, uniting Muslims across ideological lines. “Today, I am speaking as a member of the Muslim community, not just a BRS leader. Whether one belongs to BRS, Congress, or the Left, we all agree this law is unjust. Secular citizens across the country are standing with us,” he stated.
He warned that if the amendment is not repealed, it could jeopardise thousands of Waqf properties, disrupt essential services, and deepen the marginalisation of Muslims.
Abdullah Sohail also highlighted the BRS party’s consistent opposition to the amendment, both in Parliament and on public platforms. He affirmed the party’s support for all democratic forms of protest, especially within Telangana.
The Warangal protest saw participation from a wide spectrum of political and community leaders. Telangana State Haj Committee Chairman Khusro Pasha Biyabani, Deputy Mayor Masood Ahmed, and representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiatul Ulema echoed similar concerns.
They criticised the central government for amending the Act without consulting stakeholders, arguing that it violated Article 26 of the Constitution, which guarantees religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs.
Leaders from Congress, the Left, and other secular organisations also joined the protest. Demonstrators carried placards reading “Withdraw Waqf Amendment Act”, “Protect Muslim Institutions”, and “We Stand With AIMPLB”, reflecting the widespread opposition to the law.