Controversy Erupts Over Waqf Amendment Bill Amid Nationwide Protests

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leader Addanki Dayakar have criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, leading to widespread protests. Owaisi wore a black armband in protest, following AIMPLB's call. The bill has sparked concerns over religious independence and raised tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities.

A political uproar has ensued over the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, as AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress's Addanki Dayakar voiced their strong opposition. On Friday, Owaisi joined fellow protestors in wearing black armbands, heeding a directive from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) during prayers in Hyderabad.

The AIMPLB's call for Muslims to don black bands as a symbol of dissent on Alvida Jumma received widespread participation. Significant numbers were seen joining this protest while offering Friday prayers across multiple cities, including Lucknow and Hyderabad. Owaisi, speaking to ANI, criticized the bill for, in his words, attacking the essence of religious places, questioning the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board.

Congress MLC elect Addanki Dayakar expressed trepidations regarding the bill's implications, arguing that it poses a threat to parliamentary democracy by undermining community autonomy. He alleged the bill could sow discord among communities and accused the ruling BJP of disregarding constructive opposition from Muslim representatives in the Joint Parliamentary Committee deliberations.

(With inputs from agencies.)