Follow us
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called upon all secular political parties, including allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Members of Parliament, to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is scheduled for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha on 2 April.
The AIMPLB has strongly urged them not to vote in favour of the bill under any circumstances.
In an official statement, the Muslim body said, “The All India Muslim Personal Law Board appeals to all secular parties, including BJP’s allies and MPs, to firmly oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill and ensure it is not passed.”
The Board’s President, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, emphasised that all secular parties and MPs should not only oppose the bill when it is presented in Parliament but also vote against it, in order to counter what he described as the BJP’s “communal agenda.”
Rahmani alleged that the bill is discriminatory and contradicts the fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Constitution.
He further claimed that the BJP seeks to weaken Waqf laws through this bill, paving the way for the seizure and destruction of Waqf properties. “Despite the existence of the Places of Worship Act, efforts to search for temples in every mosque continue to escalate,” the statement added.
“If this amendment is passed, it will lead to an increase in illegitimate governmental and non-governmental claims over Waqf properties, making it easier for Collectors and District Magistrates to seize them,” Rahmani warned.
He also stated that India has long been known for its Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and mutual respect for religious customs and festivals. However, he expressed concern that those in power are attempting to destroy this harmony, thereby creating chaos and anarchy.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament
Earlier today, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, informed reporters that the Lok Sabha’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC), which includes leaders from all major parties and is chaired by Speaker Om Birla, had agreed on an eight-hour debate for the bill.
The duration could be extended based on the consensus of the House.
During the meeting, members of the Congress and the Opposition bloc INDIA walked out, accusing the government of suppressing their voices.
Gaurav Gogoi, Congress' deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the Opposition’s concerns were being ignored.
He stated that Opposition parties demanded more time for debate and sought discussions on other pressing issues, including the situation in Manipur and the controversy surrounding electors’ photo identity cards.
In response, Rijiju mentioned that various parties had suggested a debate duration of four to six hours, whereas the Opposition demanded twelve hours. He noted that the allocated eight-hour period could be extended if the House deems it necessary on the day of the debate.
What Does the Bill Propose?
The controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2024. It proposes 40 amendments to the existing Waqf Act, including provisions to ensure representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf boards.
The bill also seeks major reforms in the regulation and governance of India’s Waqf boards, which manage Islamic charitable endowments.
The government argues that the bill aims to modernise an outdated and complex system, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2006 Rajinder Sachar Committee. However, the Opposition has called for greater scrutiny, expressing concerns that it may be detrimental to Muslim communities.
The bill was previously reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which adopted several amendments before presenting its report in Parliament during the Budget session.
The committee also recommended renaming the bill as the “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act.”
With strong opposition from AIMPLB and other groups, the bill is expected to face heated debate when it is brought up in the Lok Sabha.
