Opposition parties, led by the Congress, united to protest the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha today. This legislation seeks to address issues concerning the powers of State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of Waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments.
The legislation proposes to amend 44 sections of the 1995 Waqf Act. The Bill proposes that the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards must have two women members. It also lays down that money received by the Waqf Board must be utilized for the welfare of widows, divorcees, and orphans in the manner suggested by the government. Another key proposal is that women's inheritances must be protected.
During the discussion, Congress's KC Venugopal criticized the bill as "draconian," claiming it attacks religious freedom and the federal system, while also opposing the appointment of non-Muslim members to the Waqf board. The Samajwadi Party, the second-largest opposition group, voiced similar concerns, with MP Mohibbullah stating that the bill represents injustice to Muslims and would lead to long-term repercussions.
Attempt to sell Waqf board lands: Akhilesh
Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of attempting to sell Waqf board lands under the guise of amendments, while Trinamool's Sudip Bandhyopadhyay and DMK's K Kanimozhi raised issues regarding federalism and minority rights.
Defending the legislation, Union Minister and leader of BJP ally JDU, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, said the Bill has been brought to make the functioning of Waqf boards transparent. He countered the Opposition's charge that the Bill is against minorities.
Supriya Sule of NCP's Sharad Pawar faction said the government did not carry out detailed consultation before bringing the Bill to the House. "Please send this to the standing committee for better consultation. The timing is of concern. What happened suddenly in Waqf Board that you have to bring the Bill," she asked.
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