Parliamentary Panel Debates Waqf Amendment amid Constitutional Tensions

The Minorities Affairs Ministry presented the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to a parliamentary panel, prompting debate over the need for new legislation. Opposition MPs raised concerns about the inclusion of 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Constitution, and BJP members defended broad consultations. Concerns about Waqf Board's misuse of power were highlighted.

The Minorities Affairs Ministry made its case for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to a parliamentary panel, sparking significant debate among members. Opposition members challenged the necessity of a new law, arguing that previous consultations never indicated such a need.

Adding tension to the meeting was a Supreme Court case urging the removal of 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Constitution, which became a hot topic. Opposition MPs criticized the panel's decisions to call certain lawyers involved in the legal quest, to which BJP members countered with the argument that every citizen is a stakeholder.

The discussion also touched on alleged misuse of the Waqf Board's authority, with some MPs highlighting cases where non-Muslim properties were claimed improperly. BJP MP Medha Kulkarni presented a Pune-based NGO's report detailing several such incidents, contributing to the heated dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)