SDPI leads nationwide protests against BJP's Waqf Bill, burns Bill copy at Kolkata's 7-point

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has launched a series of protests across the country against the BJP-led central government’s Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha today. The bill has become a flashpoint for controversy, with critics claiming it aims to weaken the socio-economic foundation of the Muslim community. As the bill was presented, SDPI organized protests and marches in 14 state capitals, including Kolkata, where the party held a significant demonstration.

In Kolkata, the protest began with a march from Sealdah to Park Circus 7-Point, which was followed by a protest meeting. During the meeting, SDPI’s state leadership made it clear that they would continue their opposition to the bill, promising to intensify their efforts if the bill is passed. They emphasized that the fight against the bill would continue “until the last drop of blood.” The leadership vowed to unite the people of the country to form a larger movement should the bill pass, signaling a broader campaign against it.

The core issue being raised by SDPI is the appointment of Hindu representatives to the Waqf Board, which they argue is being used as a pretext to target Muslim interests. SDPI leaders have criticized the bill’s provisions, claiming it is part of a larger strategy to undermine the socio-economic standing of Muslims. The party's state president, Haqikul Islam, said that the bill’s proposal to bring in Hindu representatives was a tactic to "disguise" the real agenda of weakening the Muslim community’s institutional power.

Since the bill’s introduction, SDPI has organized over 500 protests across the country. According to Dr. Kamal Basiruzzan, the party’s state general secretary, millions of people have joined the protests. He warned that if the bill is passed, SDPI would escalate the movement, similar to the CAA protests, to protect the rights of the Muslim community. The protests have seen participation from various districts, and party members have committed to keeping the pressure on the government until the bill is withdrawn.

In a symbolic gesture, SDPI activists in Kolkata burned a copy of the Waqf Amendment Bill during the protest at Park Circus, further demonstrating their opposition. The party has called on citizens to support their cause, asserting that no force will be able to suppress their fight for constitutional rights. SDPI’s leadership has made it clear that the movement will continue as long as the bill remains in force, with a focus on protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms of the Muslim community in India.