Hubballi-Dharwad, Apr 13: The political row over the Waqf Amendment Act took a new turn on Sunday, with Karnataka Minister for Housing and Minority Welfare BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan issuing a categorical declaration that the controversial legislation “will not be implemented” in the state, despite its passage in Parliament.
Echoing the stance of other opposition-led states, Zameer firmly stated, “Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu CM, Kerala government, and Karnataka government have made a decision regarding the Waqf Amendment Act that it is not acceptable to us.”
Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives during anti-Act protests in West Bengal, Zameer said, “I am saddened that three people died during protests in West Bengal. This bill should not have passed, but it has passed. We will solve the problem through the court. I am sure we will get justice in the court… We will not implement it in Karnataka.”
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed by India’s Parliament earlier this month, introduces significant changes to the management of Muslim charitable land endowments, known as waqfs. The Act proposes the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the central Waqf Council and increased governmental oversight, aiming to enhance transparency and curb corruption.
In the aftermath of the Act’s passage, protests have erupted in some states. In West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Protesters voiced concerns that the Act could lead to government “overreach” in managing waqf properties, “potentially threatening” the religious and cultural significance of these endowments.
Responding to the unrest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm, stating that the Act would not be enforced in the state. She urged citizens to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could lead to further violence.–(UNI)
