Waqf Act 2025 Protests: Governance Lost to Anarchy
- Hinduinfopedia
- Apr 25, 2025
- 2 min read
From Governance to Disorder
The Protests Against Waqf Act 2025 have devolved from legislative debate into chaos, epitomizing "From Governance to Anarchy." In this fifth blog of our Waqf (Amendment) Act series, we examine how political inaction in West Bengal fueled violence, while Uttar Pradesh (UP) maintained order through decisive governance. This contrast underscores the role of political agendas in shaping protest outcomes.
The Waqf Act’s Purpose
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, sought to reform waqf land management, addressing encroachments and mismanagement. Despite broad consultations, the Act sparked protests, particularly in West Bengal, reminiscent of the 2019–2020 Shaheen Bagh unrest. Political narratives drowned out the law’s reformative intent, fueling disorder.
West Bengal’s Violent Spiral
Protests in Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas turned deadly on April 11–12, 2025, with arson and displacement. TMC leaders’ pledges to block the Act, meant to reassure Muslims, were seen by some as tacit support for violence. This echoes the 2024 Sandeshkhali crisis, where inaction fueled unrest. Weak policing, reportedly under political influence, allowed rioters to act unchecked, necessitating paramilitary deployment.
UP’s Preventive Measures
UP, with a larger Muslim population (38.5 million), curbed unrest through early intervention. On April 4, Muzaffarnagar protests were met with legal notices and bonds, preventing escalation. This contrasts with Bengal’s failures in districts like Murshidabad, highlighting the importance of proactive governance.
Shaheen Bagh’s Legacy
The Waqf protests mirror the Shaheen Bagh movement, where political inaction fueled CAA protests, culminating in the 2020 Delhi riots. A 2019 Congress leader’s speech ignited unrest, much like 2025’s rhetoric fueled Waqf protests. The Act’s goals have been overshadowed by divisive narratives.
The Price of Appeasement
The Waqf Act’s descent into anarchy reveals the dangers of prioritizing appeasement over governance. UP’s success underscores the value of decisive leadership, while West Bengal’s lapses highlight the risks of enabling unrest. The Act reflects the volatile interplay of identity politics and outrage.
Call to Action
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