Bhubaneswar: The members of BJD’s minority cell staged a demonstration in front of Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar demanding withdrawal of Waqf Bill by the Central government.
Hundreds of members of the state’s main opposition party went in a rally raising slogans against the proposed Bill. Holding placards and banners, they condemned the move of the Centre stating that the Centre’s move would hurt the sentiments of Muslim population in the country.
President of the cell and Rajya Sabha member Munna Khan alleged that the Centre bringing the Bill to make several amendments in order to take over Waqf properties. He also sought reconsideration of involving representatives of other communities in the Waqf committee.
Later, they submitted a memorandum, addressed to the President, to Khurda sub-collector. In the memorandum, they said the proposed changes in the Waqf Bill will have “far-reaching implications” on the autonomy, protection, and governance of Waqf properties.
Since the Waqf properties are considered sacred for ensuring social welfare of the Muslim community, they demanded its immediate withdrawal.
On the other hand, state president of ruling BJP Manmohan Samal condemned the BJD’s opposition and said the Central Government planned to do justice to all without appeasement of any particular group.