Black armband protests against the Union government's Waqf (Amendment) Bill and a placard showing solidarity with Palestine during Eid celebrations in Madhya Pradesh have sparked a heated war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
Eid was celebrated with traditional fervour across the state on Monday, though some community members wore black armbands to protest against the central government's move to amend the Waqf Act.
Eyewitnesses in Bhopal also reported seeing a group holding an 'I stand with Palestine' placard.
In response, MP Minister Vishvas Sarang condemned the protests, accusing opposition leaders of inciting violence and spreading divisive rhetoric.
"Attempts to incite violence by spreading divisive rhetoric will not be tolerated," he said, adding, "When Hindus were oppressed in Bangladesh, Priyanka didi had no time to support those Hindus. Such attempts to spread chaos in the country by displaying banners on Eid will not be tolerated."
Sarang also criticised Congress leaders for opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill without reading it, claiming that it was only benefiting wealthy Muslim leaders involved in illegal land grabbing.
"Waqf has not benefited any poor Muslim. Only wealthy Muslim leaders involved in illegal land grabbing have benefited from the Waqf Board," Sarang added.
However, Congress leader Abhinav Barolia shot back, defending the display of solidarity with Palestine.
"Palestine was not our enemy. Today, if any Muslim brother is expressing his feelings regarding Palestine on Eid, what is wrong with that? This issue should be treated as a matter of humanity, not politics," he said.
Barolia also took aim at the BJP’s alleged divisive tactics, accusing Sarang of ignoring real issues like rising electricity bills and property taxes.
"Today, when electricity bills and property taxes are rising, they (ruling BJP) are not discussing that. Instead, they are focusing on dividing Hindus and Muslims. Go to Palestine (Gaza) and see the atmosphere there and the kind of barbarism that has taken place," Barolia remarked.
Earlier, several individuals were seen offering namaz while wearing black armbands to protest against the Waqf Act amendment. At one mosque, a group held an 'I stand with Palestine' placard.
These protests followed a similar show of dissent during the last Friday prayers of Ramzan on March 28, which also saw black armbands being worn in Bhopal, Vidisha, and other locations.
The protest was in response to a call made by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) last week.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which had been referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) in August 2024, is expected to be reintroduced in the current session of Parliament, which concludes on April 4.
The Union Cabinet recently approved the Bill with changes recommended by the JPC, paving the way for its passage in Parliament.
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