Massive Rally in Kalaburagi Protests Waqf Amendment Act, Demands Its Withdrawal
Kalaburagi, Karnataka, May 5, 2025 – Tens of thousands gathered at Peer Bangali Ground in Kalaburagi on the evening of May 4, 2025, in a powerful display of unity to protest the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) alongside a coalition of religious, political, and civil society groups, the rally drew nearly 50,000 attendees who voiced their opposition to what they describe as an "assault on minority rights and the Indian Constitution."
The six-hour event, which began at 7 p.m. and stretched past midnight, saw prominent leaders like CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat, CPI General Secretary D. Raja, and Kalaburagi North MLA Kaneez Fatima address the crowd. They were joined by CPI(M) Karnataka State Secretariat member K. Neela and other influential figures, including Hafiz Syed Muhammad Ali Al Hussaini, Sajjada Nashin of Dargah Hazrat Khwaja Bandanawaz and Chairman of the Karnataka State Waqf Board, who presided over the gathering.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by Parliament on April 4, 2025, has sparked nationwide outrage for its provisions that critics argue undermine the autonomy of Waqf institutions. The amendments include adding non-Muslims to Waqf boards, expanding government control over Waqf properties, and removing the "waqf by user" provision, which allowed properties to be recognized as Waqf based on historical use. Opponents, including the AIMPLB, have called the Act a "blatant infringement on the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens," accusing the government of attempting to polarize communities ahead of state elections.
Brinda Karat, a veteran CPI(M) leader known for her advocacy on gender equality, emphasized the broader implications of the Act. "This is not just an attack on the Muslim community but on the very fabric of our Constitution," she declared, urging the government to "withdraw the Waqf Act and save the Constitution." D. Raja echoed her sentiments, warning that the amendments could set a dangerous precedent for state interference in religious affairs. MLA Kaneez Fatima highlighted the local impact, stating, "Kalaburagi has spoken loud and clear—we will not tolerate this injustice."
The rally showcased a rare instance of interfaith solidarity, with leaders from Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Buddhism joining the protest. Shantaveera Swami of Khasa Matha, Bhante Varajyoti Thero from Anadoor Buddha Vihara, and Mohammad Saad Belagami of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind were among those who spoke, reinforcing the message of unity. Former Union Minister C.M. Ibrahim and several Sajjada Nashins of dargahs also attended, lending further weight to the movement.
The protest in Kalaburagi is part of a larger nationwide campaign against the Waqf Amendment Act, with similar demonstrations reported in Araria, Bihar, and other regions. The AIMPLB has vowed to continue its struggle until the amendments are repealed, citing their unconstitutionality. The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the Act on May 15, 2025, before a bench led by Justice BR Gavai, the incoming Chief Justice of India. The court has already assured that no Waqf properties will be denotified, and no new appointments to Waqf boards will be made until the next hearing.
Social media has amplified the movement, with hashtags like #WithdrawWaqfAmendments and #SaveWaqfSaveConstitution trending on X. Posts from users like
@msuhaib_raza
celebrated the historic turnout in Kalaburagi, stating, "Itna bada ittehad, itni badi jansabha – Gulbarga ne likha naya itihas (Such a massive unity, such a huge gathering – Gulbarga has written a new history)."As the legal battle looms, the Kalaburagi rally has sent a clear message: the fight to protect Waqf properties and religious autonomy is far from over. The government, however, defends the Act as a necessary reform to address corruption and mismanagement in Waqf institutions, a stance that continues to fuel heated debates across the country.
