Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Apr 13: Congress MP Imran Masood on Sunday strongly criticized the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it unconstitutional and promising that a Congress-led government would revoke it “within an hour” of coming to power.
“Just pray that we return to power. I promise you, we’ll fix this law in 60 minutes,” Masood declared at a public gathering organized by the All India Milli Council Telangana and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in Hyderabad.
He emphasized the importance of Waqf properties in preserving religious practices, questioning the audience: “Where will you offer namaz without mosques? Where will you bury your dead without graveyards?”
Speaking to the media later, Masood reaffirmed the Congress party’s commitment to addressing the issue through democratic means, pledging a swift resolution if elected.
Taking a veiled jab at smaller political outfits, Masood said, “In a stormy sea, only a large ship can stay afloat — not little boats. If you want to survive the storm, get on the ship. That ship is the Congress.”
He also highlighted that while the BJP's goal of winning 400+ seats remains aspirational, the Congress, even after crossing 400 seats in the past, never undermined the rights of any community. “We never made any citizen feel this country wasn’t theirs,” he added.
On the recent violence in Murshidabad over the Waqf issue, the Saharanpur MP condemned any form of unrest. “This is a constitutional struggle. If you act outside the law, the whole purpose is defeated,” he cautioned, urging youth to maintain peace.
Masood noted that 232 MPs, including many non-Muslims, voted against the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament. “There are only 24 Muslim MPs, yet 232 stood up for the Constitution,” he said, calling it a slap on the face of those spreading communal discord.
The Congress leader, who served on the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill, has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court. He argues that the amendment violates India's constitutional guarantees, stating it undermines a community’s right to manage its religious institutions and properties without undue government interference.
He concluded by backing the call of All India Muslim Personal Law Board chief Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, urging everyone to act strictly within the bounds of law in this ongoing legal and political fight.