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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025, launched a strong attack on opposition parties regarding their protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. His remarks, delivered after the Bill's passage in Parliament the previous week, centered on the accusation that these protests were fundamentally driven by “appeasement politics.” Modi argued that India cannot allow the political strategies of the 20th century to dictate the nation's trajectory in the 21st, implying that the opposition's stance was outdated and detrimental to progress. He specifically tied the protests to the Congress party’s historical reliance on appeasement tactics, drawing a parallel with the Partition of India in 1947. Modi's assertion is that the Congress, in its pursuit of power during India's independence, employed strategies that prioritized short-term political gains over long-term national interests. He directly questioned the benefits that Muslims derived from this alleged appeasement, suggesting that it was a manipulative tactic that ultimately failed to improve the community’s condition. This direct linkage to the Partition is a powerful and controversial move, connecting current political debates to one of the most sensitive and traumatic events in Indian history. The implication is that the opposition's actions are not just politically motivated but also carry the risk of repeating past mistakes and exacerbating societal divisions. The intensity of Modi's language underscores the significance he attaches to the Waqf Act and the associated political discourse. He portrays the Act as a crucial step towards social justice, designed to protect the rights and interests of marginalized communities within the Muslim population. This framing is a direct rebuttal to the opposition’s criticisms, positioning the government as a champion of inclusivity and equitable treatment. The Prime Minister's detailed defense of the legislative process further reinforces this image. He highlighted the extensive parliamentary debate, the numerous meetings of the joint parliamentary committee, and the vast number of online suggestions received from citizens across the country. This emphasis on transparency and public participation aims to legitimize the Act and counter claims of it being imposed without adequate consultation or consideration. The overall narrative presented by Modi is one of a government committed to breaking free from the shackles of past political practices and forging a new path based on social justice and inclusive governance. His attack on the opposition serves to solidify this narrative, casting them as defenders of outdated and divisive strategies that hinder the nation's progress.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, at the center of this political storm, is legislation that deals with the administration and management of Waqf properties in India. Waqfs are religious endowments under Islamic law, typically consisting of land or buildings donated for religious or charitable purposes. The proper management and utilization of these properties are crucial for supporting religious institutions, educational initiatives, and poverty alleviation programs within the Muslim community. However, over the years, there have been concerns about mismanagement, encroachment, and corruption affecting Waqf properties across the country. The Amendment Act aims to address these issues by strengthening the regulatory framework and enhancing transparency in the administration of Waqfs. One of the key objectives of the Act is to protect Waqf properties from illegal occupation and ensure that they are used for their intended purposes. This involves streamlining the processes for registering Waqf properties, conducting audits, and resolving disputes. The Act also seeks to empower Waqf Boards, the bodies responsible for managing Waqfs, by providing them with greater autonomy and resources. The central government has emphasized that the Amendment Act is not intended to interfere with the religious practices or customs of the Muslim community. Instead, its primary goal is to improve the efficiency and accountability of Waqf administration, thereby enabling Waqfs to better serve the needs of the community. However, the opposition parties have raised concerns about the potential impact of the Act on the autonomy of Waqf institutions and the rights of Muslim individuals. They argue that the Act could give the government excessive control over Waqf properties and undermine the independence of Waqf Boards. These concerns are at the heart of the protests that Modi has characterized as “appeasement politics.” The debate over the Waqf Act reflects broader tensions in Indian politics regarding the relationship between the state and religious institutions, as well as the balance between religious freedom and government regulation. It also highlights the sensitivity surrounding issues related to minority rights and the potential for political manipulation of religious sentiments. The historical context of the Partition and the legacy of appeasement politics further complicate the discussion, making it difficult to find common ground and fostering a climate of suspicion and mistrust.
Modi's reference to the Partition of India as an example of appeasement politics requires a deeper examination. The Partition, which accompanied India's independence in 1947, resulted in the creation of Pakistan as a separate nation for Muslims. The decision to partition the country was driven by a complex interplay of factors, including religious nationalism, political opportunism, and the failure of negotiations between the Congress party and the Muslim League. The Congress, led by figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, initially opposed the idea of Partition but eventually accepted it as a necessary evil to avoid further violence and instability. However, critics of the Congress have argued that the party's willingness to concede to the Muslim League's demands for a separate state was a form of appeasement that ultimately led to the tragic displacement and loss of life. They contend that the Congress prioritized maintaining power over upholding the unity of the country and protecting the rights of all citizens. This perspective is echoed in Modi's remarks, where he accuses the Congress of “getting power by politics of appeasement” during India's independence. He implies that the Congress was willing to compromise on fundamental principles in order to secure its position in the newly independent India. The consequences of the Partition were devastating. Millions of people were displaced from their homes, and widespread violence erupted between Hindus and Muslims. The trauma of the Partition continues to shape the political landscape of India and Pakistan to this day. By linking the Waqf protests to the legacy of appeasement politics and the Partition, Modi is attempting to frame the opposition as being complicit in a historical pattern of political opportunism and disregard for national unity. He is suggesting that their criticisms of the Waqf Act are not based on genuine concerns about social justice or minority rights but rather on a cynical attempt to exploit religious sentiments for political gain. This is a powerful and potentially divisive argument, as it seeks to delegitimize the opposition's position by associating it with a dark chapter in Indian history. It also reinforces Modi's image as a strong and decisive leader who is willing to confront difficult truths and break free from the constraints of past political practices.
The Prime Minister’s assertion that the Waqf law is a “major step towards social justice” is a crucial element of his defense of the legislation. This framing directly challenges the opposition's narrative, which portrays the Act as potentially harmful to the Muslim community. By positioning the law as a tool for social justice, Modi is attempting to win over public opinion and garner support for the government's policies. The claim that the Waqf law will “secure the sanctity of Waqf and also the rights of the poor, backwards and women among Muslims” is particularly significant. This suggests that the Act is designed to address specific vulnerabilities within the Muslim community and to ensure that Waqf properties are used for their intended purposes, namely the benefit of the less privileged. This aspect of the argument is likely to resonate with those who are concerned about the mismanagement and corruption that have plagued Waqf properties in the past. By emphasizing the potential for the Act to improve the lives of ordinary Muslims, Modi is attempting to undermine the opposition's claims that the law is anti-Muslim. He is presenting it as a progressive measure that will empower the community and promote social and economic development. This is a strategic move that aims to neutralize the opposition's criticisms and to build a broader base of support for the government's policies. The emphasis on the participation of citizens in the legislative process further reinforces this message. Modi's highlighting of the 1 crore online suggestions received from the public is intended to demonstrate that the Waqf Act is not simply a top-down imposition but rather a product of extensive consultation and deliberation. This is crucial for legitimizing the law and countering claims of it being undemocratic or authoritarian. By showcasing the government's responsiveness to public input, Modi is attempting to portray himself as a leader who is committed to transparency and accountability. In summary, the Prime Minister's defense of the Waqf law as a measure of social justice is a key element of his broader political strategy. By framing the law in this way, he is attempting to win over public opinion, undermine the opposition's criticisms, and solidify his image as a champion of the marginalized. The emphasis on citizen participation further reinforces this message and helps to legitimize the government's policies.
Ultimately, PM Modi's statements regarding the Waqf Act and the opposition's protests must be understood within the context of the broader political landscape in India. The country has a long and complex history of religious and ethnic tensions, and issues related to minority rights and identity politics are often highly contested. The ruling BJP party, led by Modi, has been accused of promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda and of marginalizing minority communities. The opposition parties, on the other hand, have often sought to mobilize support by appealing to minority groups and by criticizing the government's policies. The debate over the Waqf Act is just one example of this ongoing political struggle. It is a battle for narrative control, with each side attempting to frame the issue in a way that benefits their own political interests. Modi's attack on the opposition as engaging in “appeasement politics” is a familiar tactic in Indian politics. It is a way of delegitimizing the opposition by suggesting that they are pandering to minority groups for political gain. This tactic is often used by Hindu nationalist parties to rally support from the majority community and to consolidate their power. The opposition, in turn, accuses the government of promoting Hindu supremacy and of undermining the rights of minorities. They argue that the Waqf Act is just one example of the government's discriminatory policies and that it represents a threat to the secular fabric of Indian society. Given this context, it is clear that the debate over the Waqf Act is not simply about the administration of Waqf properties. It is about much deeper issues related to identity, power, and the future of Indian democracy. It is a reflection of the ongoing struggle between competing political ideologies and the challenge of building a truly inclusive and equitable society. The events following the Rising Bharat Summit are expected to be closely monitored, as further developments could significantly impact the political climate and the ongoing debate surrounding minority rights and religious freedom in India. The coming months will be critical in shaping the trajectory of this sensitive issue and its implications for the nation's social and political landscape. Further policy decisions and political maneuvering will undoubtedly add layers to this already intricate situation, requiring careful analysis and nuanced understanding.