Fears among Muslims

Although many Muslims acknowledge that waqfs are plagued by issues such as corruption, encroachments, and mismanagement, there is concern that the proposed law might allow India’s Hindu nationalist government to exert more control over Muslim property. This concern is heightened by the increasing aggressiveness of attacks against minority communities under Modi’s leadership, which often specifically target Muslims for their dietary choices, clothing, and interfaith unions.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reported last month that India’s religious freedom situation worsened, noting that Modi and his party had “propagated hateful rhetoric and disinformation against Muslims and other religious minorities” during the previous year’s election campaign.

Modi’s government says India is run on democratic principles of equality and no discrimination exists in the country.

Muslims make up 14% of India’s 1.4 billion population, representing the largest minority in the predominantly Hindu nation. However, they are also recognized as the poorest community, according to a 2013 government survey.