MMK demands Muslim representation, repeal of Waqf Act at Madurai conference

Time of India

2 days ago

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Madurai: Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) president M H Jawahirullah on Sunday called for proportional political representation for Muslims and demanded the repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, alleging it was unconstitutional and aimed at dismantling minority institutions.
Addressing a state-level public conference organised by the MMK in Madurai, he said the party's struggle was not for power but to uphold secularism, protect minority rights, and promote inclusive governance.
Thousands of supporters took part in a four-kilometre rally from P C Perungayam junction to Amma Thidal near Vandiyur Toll Plaza, carrying party flags and placards while raising slogans in support of Muslim representation and Waqf protection.
City police deployed additional forces and enforced traffic diversions to ensure order.
In his speech, Jawahirullah said that despite making up over 14% of the population, Muslims remain severely under-represented in Indian politics. "We need at least 80 Muslim MPs in the Lok Sabha to match our population. In the Chennai Corporation, only four out of 200 councillors are Muslim. Every party, from the panchayat level to Parliament, must address this imbalance," he said.
He urged both ruling and opposition parties, including DMK, Congress, and AIADMK, to ensure fair representation for Muslims. "That is the purpose of this conference," he said.
Slamming the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, he claimed they were designed to weaken the Waqf boards and seize their properties. "The BJP government is using the new portal as a tool to loot Waqf assets. We are prepared to launch protests similar to the farmers' agitation if the Act is not repealed," he warned.
The conference passed 10 resolutions. Key among them were demands for proportional political representation for Muslims, the repeal of the amended Waqf Act, and the establishment of a fully functional Waqf Development Corporation. The MMK also called for a ban on EVMs and VVPATs, citing a lack of trust in the system.
Other resolutions condemned Israel for "genocide" in Palestine and criticised US support. The party demanded that India sever ties with Israel, ban the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and take a strong stand at the UN.
The MMK also condemned Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's recent remarks on removing 'secularism' and 'socialism' from the Constitution. It praised the Tamil Nadu government for standing up to "fascist forces" and called for Muslim identity and history to be included in school curricula. It also sought better facilities at the Sikkandar Dargah on Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai and improved conditions for undertrial Muslim prisoners.
"This is not about electoral seats or political gain," Jawahirullah concluded. "This is about dignity, rights, and a rightful place for Muslims in this country."
MMK MLA Abdul Samad, speaking earlier, vowed that the party would resist any attempt to implement the Waqf Act in its current form.