Jamal Siddiqui Endorses Waqf Board Amendment Bill, Calls for Open Discussion

Jamal Siddiqui, BJP Minority Morcha's chief, strongly supports the Waqf Board Amendment Bill. In an interview, he praised PM Modi's efforts to reclaim looted waqf properties and criticized opposition leaders. Siddiqui emphasized that the bill aims to benefit the general public and called for an open dialogue on the issue.

Jamal Siddiqui, the national chief of the BJP Minority Morcha, has expressed robust support for the Waqf Board Amendment Bill recently tabled in Parliament. In a discussion with ANI, Siddiqui noted that the bill has garnered support not just from him but from Muslims nationwide.

'The implementation of the Waqf Act was essentially a license to plunder,' Siddiqui stated, criticizing the Congress regime for mismanagement. 'Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, our government has empowered the Waqf Board to reclaim looted properties. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts,' he added.

Siddiqui also accused those controlling waqf properties of treating them as personal assets. 'PM Modi's government is introducing amendments to extend the benefits of waqf properties to the general public,' he said.

Taking aim at opposition parties, Siddiqui accused them of using religion as a political tool, particularly targeting AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. 'Owaisi Saheb will definitely shout as he has hundreds of properties under his control in Hyderabad. His truth will come out,' Siddiqui claimed. He highlighted ongoing efforts by Muslims to seek investigations into Waqf properties, mentioning a delegation from the Uttarakhand Waqf Board demanding audits.

Describing Waqf assets as the country's second-largest after the railways, Siddiqui criticized Congress leaders for allegedly controlling these assets. 'The donors intended these properties to be used for Allah's sake, which will now be fulfilled,' he asserted. He remarked on the demand for only Muslims on Waqf Boards and criticized the Congress-led alliance for politicizing religion.

Siddiqui concluded by emphasizing the BJP's commitment to protecting waqf properties for the poor, regardless of religion, and urged for an open discussion. The Waqf Board Amendment Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further consideration, which Siddiqui hopes will create a unifying bill.

Meanwhile, a 31-member JPC has been formed to examine the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill, proposing JPC review after opposition objections. The bill aims to clearly define waqf practices, ensure women's inheritance rights, and broaden the representation within Waqf Councils and Boards.

(With inputs from agencies.)