Srinagar: National Conference Lok Sabha member Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he describes as its anti-Muslim and anti-minority agenda, following the passage of the Waqf Bill. Mehdi asserts that the BJP and its ideological partner, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have no moral or political authority to represent Muslim interests in India.

In a statement released in Srinagar, Mehdi stated that the Waqf Bill is a clear indication of the government’s intent against minorities. “Today, India has moved into a dark era of brute majoritarianism, where minority interests have been shown the door,” he said. Mehdi emphasized that a party lacking Muslim representation in Parliament is not in a position to advocate for the Muslim community.

Mehdi expressed discontent over his inability to voice concerns about the bill in Parliament, describing it as a form of structural marginalization. “As a Muslim voice from Kashmir in Parliament, I was not even allowed to speak. Time was taken at both the introduction and passage of the bill by the floor leader of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, leaving no space for my intervention,” he stated.

The passage of the Waqf Bill, which Mehdi argues undermines Waqf autonomy and could enable land appropriation, has caused significant distress among the constituents he represents. He described the bill as “state-sponsored dispossession” and vowed to continue his opposition against what he terms a belligerent attack on Muslim rights.

Mehdi’s comments reflect broader concerns over the bill’s impact on minority communities and highlight ongoing debates about representation and rights within India’s legislative processes.