Opposition Rallies Against Controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill

The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha sparked strong protests from opposition leaders. They argued the bill targets Muslims and violates constitutional provisions on religious freedom and federalism. The bill proposes changes to the Wakf Act, 1995, including the inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf boards.

The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday elicited vigorous opposition from several INDIA bloc Members of Parliament (MPs). They described the bill as an attack on the Constitution, specifically targeting the Muslim community.

Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the government of undermining religious freedom and federalism. He labeled the legislation as draconian and a fundamental attack on the Constitution. Venugopal claimed the BJP was continuing its divisive politics ahead of upcoming assembly elections in states like Haryana and Maharashtra.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the bill for allegedly aiming to appease hardcore BJP supporters. TMC MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay, DMK MP Kanimozhi, and other opposition leaders echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the bill violates multiple constitutional articles and targets religious minorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)