A delegation of the Dawoodi Bohra community had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to address long-standing issues pertaining to the erstwhile Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The meeting was held at the official residence of the Prime Minister in New Delhi, and Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju was present during the meeting.
While addressing the issue, a representative of the community informed that in 2015 the Dawoodi Bohra community had purchased a property in Bhendi Bazaar in Mumbai through long negotiations and at a very high price.
"We owned this place. We purchased it at a very heavy price. But in 2019, someone else came from Nasik and Ahmedabad stating that this is the Waqf property," the member told the Prime Minister.
Referring to the incident, the delegate emphasized that these events highlighted the necessity for reform in the Waqf Act. He also confirmed complete support from the community to PM Modi's leadership.
"You have rightly said that development must be made keeping the next 100 years in view, and by amending the Waqf Act, you have proved what you have said," he added.
One member highlighted the special position of the community among the larger Muslim populace, referring to them as a "minority within a minority," and showed gratitude for the Prime Minister's initiative to support them.
"We are a minority within a minority. And you have taken care of us. You have taken a strong step to strengthen our community," he said to the Prime Minister.
The delegation also thanked the opportunity to see the Prime Minister face to face and present their grievances personally.
"You invited us home and took time, we thank you for that gesture. We always enjoy a good relationship with you," one of them spoke.
Appreciating the recent amendment of the law, the community enlightened its wider implication.
"You have always followed Sabka Saith, Sabka Vikaas. You have always placed the country first. I do believe that this courageous move (passing of Waqf Act) of yours will only propel India leaps and bounds ahead," a representative commented.
He concluded on an emotional note: "We are in a minority, but your heart is too big for us. Even being busy, you gave us your precious time and listened to our concerns. We thank you for it."
Kiren Rijiju afterwards posted pictures from the meeting on social media, commenting on the community's appreciation.
“Dawoodi Bohra Community met PM Modi to express their heartfelt gratitude for the Waqf Amendment Act, fulfilling a long-pending demand,” he posted on X.
He added, “Their trust in PM Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas was deeply moving.”
The Dawoodi Bohra community, part of the Shia Ismaili tradition, has a notable presence both in India and in over forty countries worldwide.
Earlier, the community had presented a representation before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, appealing that they should be kept outside the purview of the Waqf Board due to their separate identity as a part of the overall Muslim population.
Read also| Karnataka Govt Considers Supreme Court Move Over Muslim Quota Legislation
Read also| Mayawati Slams SP for 'Exploiting Dalit Leaders' Amid Rana Sangha Controversy
