In a heated debate in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav clashed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The bill, introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, aims to address various issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, including registration, survey of Waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments.
During his speech, Yadav criticised the bill, questioning the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies. “Yeh bill jo introduce ho raha hai woh bahut sochi samjhi rajneeti ke tehat ho raha hai,” Yadav said.
“When there is a democratic process for election, why nominate people? No person from outside the community is part of other religious bodies. What is the point of including non-Muslims in Waqf bodies?”
He further claimed that the bill was an attempt by the BJP to appease hardline supporters following its recent Lok Sabha election setback.
Yadav also raised concerns about the powers of the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, stating that the opposition's rights were being undermined. Shah responded sharply, calling Yadav’s statement “misleading” and asserting, “The rights of the Speaker do not belong to the Opposition, but to the whole House. Akhilesh ji is tarah ki golmol ki baat aap nahi kar sakte. You are not the protector of the Speaker’s rights.”
The exchange became more heated when Yadav interjected, saying, “yeh iss lia laa rahe hai kyuki abhi abhi yeh haare hai.” Speaker Birla later intervened, instructing members not to comment on the Chair, stating, “This is my expectation, no personal remarks should be made on the Chair.”
The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties, including Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress, and AIMIM, who argue that it undermines federalism and constitutional provisions. Some members have called for the bill to be withdrawn, while others have suggested it be reviewed by a parliamentary committee.
Rijiju has agreed to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny, saying, “We are not running away anywhere. So, if this has to be referred to any committee, I would like to speak on behalf of my government – a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) be formed, this Bill be referred to it & detailed discussion be held.”
Rijiju also defended the bill, stating that it follows recommendations from a panel established during the Congress-led UPA government.
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