Debates Heat Up in Gujarat Over Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 consulted with Gujarat officials and various representatives. Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, shared state government's suggestions. The JPC also met with different entities including the Bar Council of Gujarat and a delegation led by Congress MLA Imran Khedawala.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 convened with representatives from the Gujarat government and other entities as part of its nationwide consultation. The meeting included input from key stakeholders, aiming to refine the proposed legislation.

Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, presented the state government's suggestions to the JPC, lauding the Centre's initiative to amend the act. Despite maintaining confidentiality about the specifics, Sanghavi emphasized the broad support for the amendments among the general populace.

The JPC engaged with representatives from the Bar Council of Gujarat, the Minority Coordination Committee, and a delegation led by Congress MLA and Waqf Board member Imran Khedawala. Differing opinions emerged, with Khedawala and his party opposing the proposed changes. The bill, first introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, is now under detailed review by the JPC headed by BJP leader Jagadambika Pal.

(With inputs from agencies.)