BJP MP and Opposition Clash Over Waqf Act Amendment Bill

BJP's Gulam Ali Khatan accuses opposition of misusing Waqf property, advocating transparency, while Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and other opposition MPs criticize the bill as unjust and anti-minority. Key debates emerge as Kiren Rijiju prepares to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatan launched a vehement attack on opposition parties for opposing the Bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, accusing them of misusing Waqf property during their 70 years in power. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks transparency to prevent future misuse. 'The opposition, while in power for 70 years, have misused the Waqf property and haven't used it for the welfare of the minorities. Individual people have looted and encroached on it. PM Narendra Modi wants transparency in it,' Khatan said.

On the other side, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the NDA government, labeling them as anti-minority. 'It shows the NDA government is against the minorities. They do not support secularism or social justice. We've been telling people they are communal parties and fascist, and that's why they are doing this,' the CM remarked. Meanwhile, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule demanded that the bill be referred to a standing committee or a joint parliamentary committee for further recommendations.

Fauzia Khan, another NCP-SCP MP, stated that their party believes various stakeholders should have been consulted. Adding that the proposed legislation would 'totally collapse the Waqf Board,' she described it as 'an unjust bill for the Muslim community.' Congress Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, confirmed diverse opposition to the Bill, promising a clear stance when it's brought into business.

In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is set to introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995 as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It seeks to define 'waqf' clearly and ensure that creating Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.

(With inputs from agencies.)