HYDERABAD: Congress MLC Amer Ali Khan has strongly criticised the passage of the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill in both Houses of Parliament, describing it as a deliberate and dangerous attempt to interfere with the religious and constitutional rights of Muslims. He asserted that the Muslim community across India would not accept this imposition and pledged to continue the fight both in court and through public protests.
In a statement issued on Friday, Amer Ali Khan labelled the Bill as undemocratic, unconstitutional, and aimed at undermining Waqf institutions while stripping Muslim-managed religious properties of their autonomy.
He said, “The Waqf Amendment Bill is a direct attack on our faith, our traditions, and our identity. This is not merely a legislative change—it is an ideological assault. Muslims across India are deeply agitated by this blatant interference in religious affairs, and we will resist it through every democratic and legal avenue.”
According to Amer Ali Khan, the Bill grants the government increased powers to centralise control over Waqf properties, bypassing established community mechanisms and decision-making bodies. He warned that this would result in greater bureaucratic dominance, potential misuse of Waqf assets, and the alienation of religious properties intended for the welfare of the poor and the maintenance of mosques, dargahs, and educational institutions.
He accused the BJP-led government of persistently targeting minority institutions and said the Bill was part of a broader pattern of legislative overreach designed to weaken constitutional protections guaranteed under Articles 25 to 30, which secure the rights of minorities to manage their religious and cultural affairs.
“This government is systematically dismantling every institution that symbolises India’s pluralism. The Waqf Amendment Bill is part of that agenda. It seeks to take over our religious trusts, malign our institutions, and disempower the Muslim community. But we will not let that happen,” he declared.
Amer Ali Khan affirmed that the Bill would be challenged in the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds. He recalled past instances where contentious laws—such as the NJAC Act and the three Farm Laws—were either struck down or repealed following sustained legal and public opposition.
“This is just the beginning of a long struggle. We believe in our Constitution, our judiciary, and our people. Just as earlier draconian laws were defeated, this one too will be opposed and overturned,” he said.
He asserted that the Bill must not be accepted as a fait accompli. “Our message is clear: Muslims will not compromise on their religious autonomy. The battle for justice starts now,” he declared.
