Muslim organisations in Andhra Pradesh have announced that they have decided to boycott ‘Iftar’ events hosted by the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government.
This comes as a major embarrassment for the government as elaborate preparations have already been made to host Iftar parties across the state, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu set to attend the main event at Vijayawada Thursday evening.
The boycott is a response to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill currently being considered for introduction in the Parliament later this week.
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The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has called for a comprehensive protest, urging Muslims to abstain from government-organised Iftar gatherings in Vijayawada and other district centers.
Talking to reporters in Vijayawada on Wednesday, Board leaders strongly criticised the proposed legislation and the Telugu Desam Party's supportive stance.
Md Rafeeq, the state president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, alleged that the Central Government is preparing to reintroduce the bill with minimal modifications— suggesting only six or seven changes out of 41 proposed amendments.
They said the Waqf Bill potentially undermines constitutional property rights for Muslims and interferes in religious matters by violating constitutionally guaranteed rights.
"Religious management should remain under the purview of respective religious communities," said Rafeeq.
They have demanded that the Central Government immediately withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill and called on Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to take decisive action in protecting Muslim rights.
Muslim organisations have not only called for a boycott of Thursday's Iftar party but have also planned a massive demonstration on March 29 at Vijayawada's Dharna Chowk.
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