Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, announced on Friday that the party would soon move the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning, with 128 MPs voting in favor.

In a statement on X, Ramesh reaffirmed the Congress party’s stance, stating that they would legally challenge the Bill and continue to resist what they view as the Modi government’s attack on constitutional principles. His announcement came just a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared that the DMK would also take the Bill to the Supreme Court. Stalin described the amendment as anti-Muslim and controversial, asserting that it threatens the autonomy of Waqf boards and poses a danger to the Muslim community. In protest, DMK members wore black badges as the Bill was being passed.

Several opposition leaders have strongly criticized the legislation. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi voiced his opposition by tearing up a copy of the Bill in a symbolic protest and quoting Mahatma Gandhi. He denounced the Bill as unconstitutional, accusing the BJP of using religious issues to create divisions in the country. He also urged Parliament to consider ten proposed amendments to the Bill. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also condemned the Bill, alleging that it was a land grab strategy by the BJP. He accused the ruling party of pretending to care about poor Muslims while actually working against their interests.

The Waqf Amendment Bill was first tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. It was passed after a 12-hour debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Defending the Bill, Rijiju dismissed opposition claims and insisted that the amendment was designed to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties across India, ultimately benefiting millions of Muslims.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.