Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called for a nationwide lights-out protest on April 30 from 9:00 pm to 9:15 pm to oppose the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Modi government. Urging citizens to support the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Owaisi appealed for a 15-minute symbolic blackout in homes and shops to express dissent against what he termed as an assault on religious and constitutional rights. According to him, the bill directly threatens the sanctity and autonomy of waqf properties such as mosques, dargahs, graveyards, and religious charitable institutions.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, recently approved by Parliament and endorsed by the President, allows waqf land to be converted into private or government property, contradicting the long-held principle of “once waqf, always waqf.” AIMPLB and religious leaders argue that the Act not only weakens Muslim management over their religious assets but also violates Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious denominations the right to manage their own institutions. Critics also highlight alarming changes such as allowing non-Muslims on the Central Waqf Council, State Boards, and Tribunals, and removing the requirement that the Waqf Board CEO must be Muslim.

The Act’s controversial nature is further underscored by comparisons with other religious boards, such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which recently moved to remove non-Hindu employees from its services. In contrast, the Waqf Amendment seems to intrude upon and dilute Muslim community rights and religious independence. Leaders fear this could set a dangerous precedent in undermining minority religious autonomy across India. The April 30 protest is seen as a crucial expression of collective resistance and a demand for the protection of community-led religious and charitable management.