The ruling BJP in Odisha announced a state-wide public awareness campaign to clarify the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. District-level seminars are scheduled for April 22 and 23, with mandal-level programmes on April 25, under the banner of the ‘Waqf Reform Public Awareness Campaign’.
BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam, addressing a workshop in Bhubaneswar, defended the Act, stating it aims to bring transparency and accountability in Waqf property management, alleging widespread misuse during previous Congress regimes.
“Many poor and innocent people were wrongfully stripped of their properties under earlier systems. The amended law will ensure their rights are protected,” Gautam said, insisting the law is pro-Muslim and pro-poor, contrary to claims by opposition parties.
Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal reiterated that misinformation is fueling fear, and urged for informed dialogue on the legislation’s benefits.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Sankhya Lagu Committee, representing Muslim voices, staged a protest march from Gandhi Bhavan to the Cuttack Collector’s Office, labelling the Act as “undemocratic” and demanding its immediate withdrawal.
