Festivals Force AIMPLB to Delay Bharat Bandh Against Waqf Law
Bandh postponed, but Waqf Act protests to continue.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has abruptly postponed its planned Bharat Bandh, originally set for October 3, citing the clash with religious festivals across India, the organization announced on Wednesday. The decision, made during an emergency meeting led by AIMPLB president Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, comes as a surprise to many, though the group vowed to press forward with its ongoing campaign against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
In a statement issued by AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi and spokesperson SQR Ilyas, the Board explained that the bandh was deferred due to overlapping religious festivals in several states. "After a thorough review, we unanimously decided to postpone the Bharat Bandh to respect the sentiments of our fellow citizens celebrating these festivals," the statement read. The AIMPLB promised to announce new dates for the bandh soon, ensuring minimal disruption to the public while maintaining their protest momentum.
While the bandh has been shelved for now, the AIMPLB emphasized that its broader Save Waqf Campaign will proceed as planned. The campaign, launched on September 17, includes a series of protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which the Board and other Muslim organizations have fiercely opposed, demanding its complete rollback. The original plan for October 3 involved Muslims shuttering businesses, offices, and establishments from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a symbolic protest against the legislation.
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The Waqf (Amendment) Act, officially titled the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 2025, has sparked heated debate. The central government defends the law, claiming it enhances transparency and efficiency in managing Waqf properties. However, critics, including the AIMPLB, argue it undermines the autonomy of Waqf boards and threatens the community's rights.
The postponement reflects the AIMPLB's attempt to balance its activism with sensitivity to India’s diverse cultural calendar. As the nation awaits the rescheduled bandh, the controversy surrounding the Waqf Act shows no signs of abating, with Muslim organizations continuing to rally for its repeal.
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