Opposition leaders debated it in Parliament
The Indian government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, leading to significant opposition from MPs within the INDIA bloc. The proposed bill seeks to amend the 1995 law, incorporating provisions such as the inclusion of Muslim women on Waqf boards and the verification of land before it is declared as Waqf property. This move has been met with strong resistance, particularly from the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which labelled it ‘unacceptable.’
The introduction of the bill saw various party leaders express their concerns and criticisms. Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief, fiercely opposed the bill, suggesting it was a cover for selling land to benefit BJP members. “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is just an excuse to sell land in the interest of BJP members,” he asserted.
In the Rajya Sabha, opposition parties staged a walkout after being denied the opportunity to discuss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics. Union Minister JP Nadda, addressing the issue, stated, “The whole country is standing with Vinesh Phogat… Unfortunately, we are dividing this between the ruling side and the opposition.”
Following Nadda’s comments, opposition parties from the INDIA bloc, including RJD MP Misa Bharti, continued their protest, highlighting the government’s lack of focus on pressing issues like unemployment and inflation. Bharti remarked, “The government is not talking on issues of unemployment, inflation. INDIA alliance parties and RJD will oppose this bill.”
RSP MP NK Premachandran echoed these sentiments in the Lok Sabha, claiming the bill disempowers the Waqf Board and dismantles the existing system. “You are totally disempowering the Waqf Board and the Waqf council… It is against the principles of the Constitution. I caution the government that if this law is put through judicial scrutiny, then it will definitely be struck down.”
Asaduddin Owaisi also criticized the bill, accusing the BJP of dividing the nation and targeting Muslims. “You (the BJP) are dividing the nation… you are the enemy of Muslims,” he said.
Contrastingly, Union Minister Lalan Singh defended the bill, stating, “The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not anti-Muslim, there is no attempt being made to interfere in the functioning of mosques.” Despite his reassurances, the uproar continued with MPs like Supriya Sule from the NCP questioning the way the bill was introduced. “We found out about the Bill through media… is this the new way to introduce Bills? This should not be a pattern,” she remarked.
DMK MP Kanimozhi argued that the bill violates Article 30 of the Constitution, which pertains to the rights of minorities to administer their institutions. “This bill targets a particular religious group,” she asserted.
Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the bill of being an attack on the federal system and the Constitution. “We respect the faith of other religions. This bill is specialized for the Maharashtra, Haryana elections. You do not understand that last time the people of India clearly taught you a lesson. This is an attack on the federal system,” he said.
Overall, the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked a heated debate in Parliament, highlighting deep divisions between the ruling party and the opposition on issues of minority rights, governance, and legislative processes. As discussions continue, the future of the bill remains uncertain amid the ongoing political tussle.
Key amendments in the new Bill
- Renaming and Management: The 1995 law will be renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act. The objective is to better manage Waqf properties designated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.
- Board Composition: The Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards will now include two women. The Council will have a Union Minister, three MPs, three representatives of Muslim organizations, three Muslim law experts, two ex-judges, four notable individuals, and senior government officials, with at least two women among them.
- Property Classification: The authority to classify properties as Waqf will shift from the Waqf Board to the District Collector.
- Registration and Transparency: Notices are required before registering any property as Waqf, and such registrations must be centralized online. The District Collector will oversee Waqf property surveys.
- Donations and Ownership: Only practicing Muslims can donate property to the Waqf Council or Board, and only legal owners can make such decisions.
- Use of Funds: Waqf Board funds must be used for the welfare of widows, divorcees, and orphans as directed by the government.
- Community Representation: A separate board will be created for Bohra and Agakhani communities, and representation will be ensured for Shias, Sunnis, and other backward Muslim classes.
