Hyderabad, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry, witnessed a wave of passionate protests on Friday as thousands took to the streets to oppose the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act 2025. From bustling neighborhoods to historic mosques, the demonstrations highlighted deep concerns among the Muslim community and others about the new legislation’s impact on Waqf properties and religious autonomy.

A City United in Dissent

The protests kicked off after Friday prayers, with small yet vocal groups gathering near mosques across Hyderabad. Demonstrators, including members of organizations like Darsgah-Jihad-O-Shahadat (DJS), held placards and chanted slogans demanding the repeal of the Act. “Waqf is Allah’s property!” read one sign, capturing the sentiment of many who see the amendments as a threat to the sanctity of Muslim endowments.

By afternoon, the movement gained momentum. Public meetings sprang up in areas like Old City, Tolichowki, and Mehdipatnam, drawing diverse crowds—students, religious leaders, and everyday citizens. The atmosphere was charged but largely peaceful, with organizers urging calm while voicing their grievances. “This isn’t just about Waqf; it’s about our rights,” said a protester, echoing a common thread of frustration.

Why the Waqf Amendment Act Sparks Outrage

The Waqf Amendment Act, passed by Parliament and receiving Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, aims to reform the management of Waqf properties—land and assets dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Supporters, including the BJP-led government, argue it brings transparency and accountability to Waqf boards. But critics see it differently.

In Hyderabad, protesters expressed fears that the Act undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions. Key changes, like increased government oversight and new regulations on property management, have raised alarms about potential misuse or loss of community control. “These amendments could disrupt centuries-old traditions,” warned a local imam during a rally. Many also pointed to Articles 25-30 of the Constitution, arguing the law infringes on religious freedoms.

Voices from the Ground

The protests weren’t just about placards and speeches—they were deeply personal. A young student at a public meeting shared, “My family has donated to Waqf for generations. This feels like an attack on our heritage.” Others highlighted practical concerns, like the risk of Waqf properties being repurposed or mismanaged under the new rules.

Community leaders also stepped up. Representatives from Muslim organizations announced plans for larger gatherings in the coming days, signaling that the movement is far from over. “We’re not here to cause trouble,” said one organizer. “We just want the government to listen and rollback this Act.”

Hyderabad’s Protests in a National Context

Hyderabad’s demonstrations are part of a broader wave of unrest across India. From West Bengal’s Murshidabad, where protests turned violent, to peaceful rallies in Chennai and Dharwad, the Waqf Amendment Act has ignited debate nationwide. In some regions, like West Bengal, clashes led to arrests and heightened security, but Hyderabad’s protests have so far remained orderly.

The issue has also taken a political turn. Opposition parties, including the AIMIM led by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have slammed the Act as discriminatory. Meanwhile, the BJP has launched a “Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign” to counter criticism, insisting the law benefits all communities.

As the sun set on Friday, Hyderabad’s streets grew quiet, but the resolve of protesters remained unshaken. Community groups are now planning seminars and petitions to keep the pressure on. “This is just the beginning,” said a local activist. “We’ll fight for our rights through dialogue and unity.”

For now, Hyderabad stands as a powerful voice in the national conversation about the Waqf Amendment Act. Whether these protests lead to policy changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the city’s spirit of resistance is alive and well.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the streets of Hyderabad buzzed with energy as the annual Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra unfolded. But this year’s procession took a dramatic turn, thanks to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Raja Singh from Goshamahal. Despite clear orders from the Hyderabad police banning high-volume sound systems, Raja Singh cranked up the volume with powerful DJ equipment, turning heads and raising eyebrows.

The event kicked off near Begum Bazar in the Old City, and it wasn’t just the music that made waves. Raja Singh, never one to shy away from bold moves, stirred the crowd with fiery words. “Tel lagaya Dabur ka, naam mitaya Babur ka,” he declared—a catchy jab referencing the demolition of the Babri Masjid. He didn’t stop there, rallying his supporters with, “Ek dhakka laga tha na, toh abhi dusra dhakka lagane ke liye tayyar hona hai,” hinting at more action to come. Translated, it means, “One push was given, now get ready for the second one.”

The Hyderabad police had laid down the law ahead of time, allowing sound systems but with strict decibel limits. Videos from the rally, however, tell a different story—blaring speakers and high-energy vibes clearly pushed past those boundaries. This isn’t Raja Singh’s first brush with defiance. Last year, the Afzalgunj police booked him for an unauthorized rally during the same procession on April 17, citing violations like Islamophobic songs and lack of permission.

For Raja Singh and his followers, the Shobha Yatra is more than a religious event—it’s a statement. A day earlier, he personally checked out the DJ setup in Dhoolpet, tweaking lights and ensuring the sound system could deliver a punch. He’d vowed the procession wouldn’t bow to restrictions, and he stuck to his word.

The police presence was heavy, with nearly 10,000 officers on duty to keep things under control. Yet, Raja Singh’s actions left many wondering: will there be consequences this time? His history of pushing limits—coupled with his unapologetic style—keeps him in the spotlight, for better or worse.

As Hyderabad recovers from the noise and fervor, the clash between celebration and regulation lingers. For now, Raja Singh’s defiance has added another chapter to his controversial legacy, leaving the city buzzing long after the procession wrapped up.

In a striking display that’s got people talking, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a prominent far-right group, held a fiery event in Sangareddy, Telangana, on March 25, 2025, where they handed out trishuls—traditional three-pronged tridents—to hundreds of its members. A video making rounds online shows Bajrang Dal activists, the VHP’s youth wing, gripping these symbolic weapons while swearing an oath to safeguard Hindu Dharma. It’s a scene that’s equal parts devotion and defiance, and it’s lighting up conversations across the state.

Trishul Distribution Ignites Passion and Debate in Telangana Village

The gathering drew around 500 locals, mostly young Bajrang Dal members, who pledged to defend their Hindu identity with passion and unity. Organizers framed it as a call to action—a stand against perceived threats to their faith. “This is about protecting who we are,” one participant said, echoing the group’s fervor. But not everyone sees it the same way. Critics, including Citizens for Justice and Peace, a human rights watchdog, argue these events are more than just symbolic. They point to a troubling pattern: trishul distributions often come with speeches pushing divisive ideas like “love jihad” and “land jihad,” conspiracies that target minorities and stoke tension.

This isn’t the VHP’s first rodeo in Telangana. Back in February, they rolled out a similar “Trishul Diksha” program in Khammam district, ramping up their presence since the BJP secured its third term at the national level and nabbed eight parliamentary seats in the state last year. For some, it’s a sign of growing boldness; for others, it’s a red flag. “These gatherings aren’t just about faith—they’re platforms for exclusion and fear,” a concerned local remarked, reflecting a unease felt by many.

The far-right Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) recently organized a program in Sangareddy, Telangana, where it distributed trishuls (tridents) to hundreds of its members.

A video circulating on social media shows Bajrang Dal activists holding trishuls and taking an oath to protect… pic.twitter.com/sCVKT5cmJE

— The Siasat Daily (@TheSiasatDaily) March 26, 2025

The trishul itself carries deep meaning—tied to Lord Shiva, it’s a spiritual symbol for Hindus. But in the hands of rallied activists, it doubles as a statement, one that’s hard to ignore. Supporters cheer it as a reclaiming of pride, while detractors warn it’s a step toward vigilantism. “It’s not about violence—it’s about standing tall,” a VHP organizer insisted. Still, the optics of hundreds wielding tridents have left a mark, especially in a state where political and cultural currents are already swirling.

For Telangana’s residents, this event hits close to home. Some see it as a necessary pushback in uncertain times; others fear it’s a spark that could ignite bigger divides. As the video spreads and opinions clash, one thing’s clear: the VHP’s trishul move has thrust Sangareddy into the spotlight, raising big questions about faith, identity, and where the line gets drawn.