Mahboobnagar, 7 October: “Modi’s conspiracy to scrap the existing Waqf Act under the guise of amendments will not be tolerated,” declared Syed Azeez Pasha, Former MP and National President of the All India Tanzeem-e-Insaaf, while inaugurating a seminar on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Mahboobnagar. His remarks came during a two-day national council meeting that concluded yesterday. Before the seminar, revolutionary songs performed by the IPTA squad, led by Shyamala, energized the audience.
In his address, Azeez Pasha criticized the Modi government for what he described as suppressing the rights of minorities, specifically targeting Waqf board assets. “The Waqf board’s assets have sparked jealousy within the BJP, especially with Modi, who seeks to deny minorities their legitimate rights,” Pasha said. He emphasized that the proposed bill aims to amend 43 laws, effectively seizing Waqf properties. Pasha called on secular and democratic forces to unite in opposition to what he described as a threat to minority rights. He condemned provisions in the bill that bypass the Waqf Tribunal, amend the Central Waqf Council, and introduce a “Collector Raj,” which he argued is intended to loot Waqf lands.
Obedulla Kotwal, Chairperson of the Telangana State Minorities Finance Corporation, echoed Pasha’s concerns, stating that the Modi government is determined to undermine minority rights and confiscate their assets. He stressed the importance of invoking the strength of the “INDIA” alliance to mount a united fight against the bill, urging other political parties to join the struggle. Kotwal also criticized the Modi government’s “vindictive approach” towards minorities, noting the rise in hate crimes, assassinations, and atrocities under BJP rule. He assured that the Congress Party stands ready to protect minority rights.
The seminar also featured addresses by Dr. Ayub Ali Khan, National General Secretary of the All India Tanzeem-e-Insaaf, Suhive Sherwani of Aligarh Muslim University, National Vice President Irfaan Fatimi Islaahuddin, Dr. Shakul Rahman, Miss Noorie, Munir Patel, and Md Fayaz, the state president and general secretary of the Tanzeem-e-Insaaf. CPI district leaders B. Balkishan, P. Suresh, and D. Ramu also attended.
In its final session, the National Council of Tanzeem-e-Insaaf passed a resolution condemning the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur and called for immediate intervention by the central government. The council also condemned the “Zionist inhuman attacks” on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, the council expressed concern over the BJP government’s failure to appoint Muslim ministers, despite the significant representation of Muslims in the population.
The council concluded with a resolution to observe Minority Rights Day on December 18, focusing on the rights and issues faced by minority communities. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Md. Fayaz.
