The Waqf Amendment Bill, which has stirred controversy in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with the Opposition labelling it “anti-Muslim,” was sent to the parliamentary committee on Thursday.
The NDA-led central government tabled the bill in Lok Sabha on August 8, the first significant legislation introduced by Modi 3.0 cabinet since its formation in June. The bill quickly drew strong criticism from the INDIA bloc for it being ‘draconian’ in nature.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, if passed, will see important changes in how the Waqf Board functions. The bill to amend the law governing Waqf boards proposes far-reaching changes in the Wakf Act, of 1995, including ensuring the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in such bodies.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill also aims at renaming the act to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
Oppn slams bill
The Opposition has strongly protested against the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, with several INDIA bloc MPs calling it an attack on the Constitution and aimed at targeting Muslims.
They also urged the government to withdraw the bill.
Congress MP KC Venugopal – who had submitted notice to oppose its introduction – accused the government of violating freedom of religion and attacking the federal system through it.
“This is a draconian law and a fundamental attack on the Constitution,” Venugopal said.
He said people taught the BJP a lesson for its divisive politics but it was continuing with the same, keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections in states such as Haryana and Maharashtra.
“It is a direct attack on freedom of religion … Next you will go for Christians, then Jains,” he said.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the bill was being introduced to appease the BJP’s hardcore supporters.
“What is the point of including non-Muslims in Waqf boards when this is not done in other religious bodies?” Yadav asked.
Centre backs bill
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance has backed the bill saying that it is aimed at bringing transparency into the system.
Ally partners JD(U) and TDP supported the bill and rejected the Opposition’s claims.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha as the government moved to introduce the Bill, Janata Dal (United) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’ asserted that the bill was not anti-Muslim.
Defending the bill, he said, “Several members are making it sound as if the amendment in Waqf Board law is anti-Muslim. How is it anti-Muslim?” “Here example of Ayodhya is being given… Can you not differentiate between a temple and an institution? This is not an attempt to interfere with mosques. This law is for the institution, to make it transparent…” he claimed.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, defending the bill in the Lok Sabha said, “I want to tell Congress these amendments are being brought to achieve what you (Congress) couldn’t.”
With inputs from PTI
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Waqf Bill: ‘Draconian’ or ‘transparency move’? JDU, TDP back govt as Opposition targets it
