In a generous act of historical benevolence, former Rajya Sabha MP Mohammad Adeeb spoke at a conference against the Waqf Amendment Bill in Delhi, where he informed the nation of an astounding fact. Pakistan’s borders could have reached Lucknow if not for the goodwill of Indian Muslims. Apparently, we owe Adeeb and his peers for our limited borders—who knew our debt ran so deep?
Adeeb continued, explaining that the Indian government should feel “grateful” to Muslims who, in a grand gesture of loyalty, chose Nehru and Gandhi over Jinnah, favoring the father of the nation over the founder of Pakistan. If only the government had recognized this “gift” sooner, perhaps we would celebrate “Gratitude Day” every year to honor such selfless restraint.
Living Like “Criminals” and “Traitors” Lucknow
Apparently, despite their remarkable loyalty, Indian Muslims now find themselves living as “criminals” and “traitors.” Adeeb painted a picture of daily life that resembles a crime novel, where communities are perpetually under suspicion. Ironically, this stark depiction comes at a time when India’s political and social landscapes, in reality, continue to grow in diversity and complexity. Yet, according to Adeeb, a persistent criminalization narrative haunts the community, as if somehow this relentless suspicion arose purely from a patriotic oversight on the government’s part.
The Waqf Amendment: A Threat to National Borders?
Adeeb was joined by senior leaders of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), who stood united against the “greatest assault on waqf.” The amendment bill proposes limiting the unrestricted power of waqf boards to declare any property as “waqf property”. It suggests the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards, is apparently an existential threat. It’s as if this bill is aiming to update outdated property laws. It has the latent power to erase entire cultural identities overnight. How fragile must this “status” be that a simple amendment can shake it to its core?
Political Parties Dared Not Upset “The Miyan Vote” Lucknow
Adeeb offered a nostalgic reminder of the “good old days” in Aligarh, when political leaders carefully avoided upsetting “the miyan,” lest they lose the Muslim vote bank. Ah, those were the days. The days when politicians supposedly catered to religious identities with unending delicacy. Adeeb’s memory of that era implies that political considerations for the Muslim community have now vanished. Perhaps he’s forgotten that these political dynamics have only shifted as India’s complex democracy evolves.
The Politics of Borders, Gratitude, and Property Lucknow
Beyond Adeeb’s sentiment-filled storytelling, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes necessary reforms aimed at improving accountability and inclusivity within waqf boards. By limiting arbitrary control over property and promoting gender and religious diversity, the bill attempts to balance historical customs with contemporary governance. But, if you listen to Adeeb, these changes pose a monumental threat. It is one that conveniently doubles as an “attack” on Muslim identity.
Meanwhile, the rest of the nation might wonder why a property amendment has transformed into an “existential crisis”. And why assertions about borders expanding to Lucknow are presented as political history.