The Waqf Bill Debate: Illogic, Deception, and Political Opportunism

In few words, I can define the day 2^nd April as the day with a spectacle of deceit which we witnessed in the Lok Sabha. The daylong session in the Lok Sabha proceedings on April 2 witnessed an astonishing display of illogic and political deception. Thanks to the so called concerns hurled on the community by the BJP. The Narendra Modi led government’claimed that the said Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced out of concern for Muslim welfare is one of the greatest political frauds in independent India. However, the rhetoric surrounding the bill threatens to undermine the nation’s collective rationality. The pinch on the wounds seems to be hurting hard on the community when we see even the so-called seculars also voted in the favour of this infamous bill betraying the voters who brought them to the parliament in great hope and optimism. Let us look what is the agenda of the so called concerns of the Modi government towards waqf under this nefarious bill. 

The Grand Claim: The So-called Newfound Concern for Muslim Welfare?

The government’s assertion that it is finally ensuring the optimum use of Muslim assets for the benefit of the community is a claim that demands serious scrutiny. Ministers spoke of using these resources for education, healthcare, skill development, and women’s empowerment, presenting a picture of benevolence that stands in stark contrast to their past rhetoric and actions.

Should the nation now express gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah for his apparent compassion? Should we ignore the past, where Modi himself warned that other governments would “snatch people’s assets and distribute them among intruders”? Should we also overlook the silence of these leaders when their followers:

• Call for the economic boycott of Muslim hawkers,
• Chant slogans branding Muslims as traitors,
• Lynch innocent men on the streets, and
• Define political contests in terms of an 80 versus 20 battle?

What I feel is that this sheer audacity of this deception seems too staggering.

A Pattern of Selective Benevolence

This is not the first time the government has attempted to sell a lie through selective policy interventions. When the triple talaq ban was introduced, it was portrayed as an effort to protect Muslim women. But does the well-being of Muslim women not extend to the safety of their brothers, fathers, and husbands who are harassed or lynched?

The pattern is clear:

• Equality and justice are defined in terms of financial doles, not fundamental rights.
• Muslims are constantly expected to prove their loyalty.
• Special restrictions are placed on their religious practices.
• Their businesses are systematically targeted.

From Hijabs to madrasas, triple talaq, Aurangzeb, Azan to mosques, the overarching aim is to push the community into the status of second-class citizens.

History Repeats: The Dangerous Parallels with Nazi Germany

As they say History repeats itself but every time the price goes on the higher side. So, it is obvious to see how evil intentions are often camouflaged under noble pretensions. And so is the story of Modi and his government. We have seen how the Nazi Germany has shown its colour before the world, where Adolf Hitler systematically marginalized the Jewish community, starting with minor restrictions before escalating into genocide. Hitler convinced his supporters to rely on their instincts over reason, creating an environment where no one dared question his actions. Similar patterns in India are being followed by the BJP led government.

So, are we witnessing a similar playbook? Certainly, the answer is yes. Having said that, will the mainstream or Godi media ask the BJP the right questions?

• Do you truly want Muslim welfare, or is this political opportunism?
• Will your commitment to justice and equality reflect in policy beyond token measures?
• Will divisive politics be abandoned for good?
• Are you just eying on the huge properties that fall under Waqf to distribute among your friends?

The BJP’s Muslim Outreach: A Hollow Gesture

We all know that the BJP does not have a single Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha, yet it lectures on Muslim welfare. This is not just an irony but a blatant contradiction. Interestingly, it has people from the minority (Muslim) community as well who leave no stone unturned to keep their bosses happy. 

At the same time, the opposition’s expectations from allies like Chandrababu Naidu, Nitish Kumar, and Chirag Paswan are equally misplaced. These leaders have been trusted allies of the BJP and are unlikely to part ways over ideological concerns. Their politics is dictated by power and self-interest, not secular principles. For them, all that matters is to stay in power and gain all their interests which made them to join hands with the BJP.

The RSS and Modi: A Bond Too Strong to Break

Some in the opposition naively believe that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will challenge Modi’s authority. This is wishful thinking. While the RSS may critically assess Modi’s leadership, it will only seek changes that strengthen the government and ensure its continued dominance. The RSS has seen unprecedented growth under Modi, and every move it makes will be aimed at consolidating its influence. The Sangh has toiled hard to work on the ground Zero to bring the BJP to power in many of the recent elections where the NDA was struggling with poor performances. Their so-called differences went ashtray to bring them on the same table supporting them to retain power.

Opposition’s Strategy: Fighting Communalism with Political Opportunism?

The reliance on internal BJP dissensions, alliance politics, or a shift in RSS strategy is a flawed approach. Those who expected a crisis within the BJP over the Waqf Bill must now reassess their strategy. The opposition must realize that muddling along with makeshift alliances and weak ideological commitments will not counter the rising tide of majoritarian politics. Without a clear, consistent, and principled stance, they risk nothing more than holding onto a copy of the Constitution with trembling hands—powerless in the face of political reality.

Wrapping up

The events of April 2 were not just another parliamentary episode—they were a sobering reminder of the dangerous trajectory Indian democracy is treading. What unfolded in the name of the Waqf Amendment Bill was not merely a legislative maneuver, but a calculated attempt to rewrite narratives, distract from real issues, and deepen the communal chasm under the guise of concern.

This isn’t just about Muslims. It’s about what kind of nation we want to be. A country where selective justice is wrapped in moralistic jargon, where communities are targeted under the pretext of reform, and where truth is sacrificed at the altar of political expediency is not the India envisioned by its Constitution.

 Mohd Ziyauallah Khan is a freelance content writer & editor based in Nagpur. He is also an activist and social entrepreneur, co-founder of the group TruthScape, a team of digital activists fighting disinformation on social media.