Kausar Jahan Urges Opposition to Support Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Delhi State Haj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan urged opposition parties not to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 for political reasons. Her comments came after AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi called for a nationwide protest, arguing the bill undermines Muslims' constitutional rights.

Delhi State Haj Committee Chairperson and BJP leader, Kausar Jahan, on Monday expressed concerns over the opposition's resistance to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, appealing for reasoned debate beyond political motives.

She specifically addressed Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party, warning that their continued opposition could tarnish their historical legacy in the context of Muslim betterment. Jahan emphasized, 'Please don't oppose just for the sake of opposition... it should not happen that history records your parties as opposing improvements for Muslims.'

Highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability within the Waqf board, Jahan questioned Owaisi's faith in the constitutional process, adding, 'Corruption is rampant, and reforms should have occurred long ago.'

Meanwhile, Owaisi announced a nationwide protest, criticizing the bill for purportedly undermining constitutional rights. He stated during a Telangana protest, 'This bill is against the Constitution, and we must make people aware of its implications.'

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, and define 'Waqf' more explicitly. It aims to ensure women's inheritance rights are not denied and improve administrative oversight through various reforms, including the establishment of a separate board for Boharas and Aghakhanis.

Introduced in the Parliament's budget session, the bill was forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny. Meetings have included diverse Muslim organizations voicing concerns about specific clauses, particularly 'Waqf by Users,' which stakeholders argue infringes upon religious practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)