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The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which was introduced on Thursday in Lok Sabha, has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). This was done for further scrutiny after the opposition parties, labelled the bill as an ‘attack’ on the constitution. They alleged that the bill targets the Muslim community and is against secularism. Post its introduction the bill underwent two hours of debate. Following this, Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla made the decision to send the bill to a JPC. He announced that a JPC will be he will constituted after consulting all the leaders of the parties.
Heated Exchange of Words
The opposition parties termed the bill as an “attack on the Constitution, interfering with religious matters and against the spirit of federalism.” Senior Congress leader, K.C. Venugopal termed it as a “draconian” bill. He alleged that the bill is being introduced due to upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the bill aims to implement reforms that committees, established by the Congress government, had recommended. He stated that the bill neither snatches away anyone’s rights nor does it curtain religious freedom. Mr. Rijiju stated, “Because you [Congress] couldn’t do it, we had to bring these amendments… Some people have captured Waqf Boards and this Bill has been brought to give justice to ordinary Muslims.”
Delhi: In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, says, "Today I want to tell the Congress party that the government is bringing this amendment in the House today. In a way, whatever steps you people took, whatever you wanted to,… pic.twitter.com/cH42r81IQc
— IANS (@ians_india) August 8, 2024
During the course of debate the INDI alliance parties objected to the provision of non Muslim member in the waqf boards. Akhilesh Yadav said, “What is the point of including non-Muslims in Waqf boards when this is not done in other religious bodies?” He alleged that the BJP is doing this on account of appeasement politics. While the AIMIM leader, Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that it is an attack on constitution. He said, “It is a grave attack on the basic structure of the Constitution as it violates the principle of judicial independence and separation of powers.” Continuing further he added, “You are enemies of Muslims and this Bill is evidence of that.”
Hitting Back At the Opposition,
The JD (U) leader and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh assured the house that the bill isn’t “anti-Muslim.” He stated, “Where is this anti-Muslim aspect? Which part of the law is against Muslims?…This is not an attempt to interfere with mosques. This law is for the institution, to make it transparent.”
Watch: Union Minister Lalan Singh reacts to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, says, "From listening to several respected members, it seems that the amendments made to the Waqf Board laws are being seen as anti-Muslim. Where is this anti-Muslim aspect? Which part of the law is… pic.twitter.com/MUGvDH1dRk
— IANS (@ians_india) August 8, 2024
Responding to the opposition, Mr Rijiju explained why there is an ardent need for these reforms. He cited examples of how an entire village in Tamil Nadu was declared a Waqf land to highlight the need for reforms. Continuing further, he said that earlier there was no provision to challenge or review the order of Waqf tribunal. However, this will now be amended so that a person can appeal to higher courts.
Meanwhile, apart from NDA allies like the TDP and JD(U) who have backed the Waqf amendment bill, the Haj Association of India has also welcomed it. Mr. A. Aboobucker, Chairman of Haj Association of India said, “On behalf of the Haj Association of India, New Delhi, we welcome this amendment as this Act is quite old. As per the current scenario, some amendments need to be made. Govt of India has taken a big initiative and we welcome that, there is no doubt. Some of the organisations and political parties, a few are opposing this at the pan India level. But, I think it will be good for women’s empowerment and will help the poor people.”