The Waqf Amendment Bill became a point of contention during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in several parts of Karnataka on Monday, as worshippers, including Minister Rahim Khan, wore black armbands in protest against the Centre’s decision.
Demonstrations were reported in Bidar, Mandya, and Belagavi, where people peacefully voiced their opposition to the bill. In Bidar, Minister Khan, who heads the sports and youth empowerment department, arrived at the mosque donning a black armband alongside his supporters, offering prayers at the Eidgah Maidan while silently opposing the legislation.
In Mandya, Naheem, president of the Mandya Urban Development Authority, along with his supporters, adopted the same form of protest during the special Eid prayers. He described the gesture as a “silent resistance” against the bill while addressing the media.
A similar demonstration unfolded in Belagavi, where members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) joined prayers while wearing black armbands. Beyond protesting the bill, some demonstrators in Kittur demanded the release of SDPI national president MK Faizy, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) earlier this month in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be reintroduced in the ongoing parliamentary session for further debate and potential passage.
Read Also: