The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha, has sparked strong reactions from opposition parties. The bill aims to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of Waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments. However, opposition members have expressed significant concerns and objections.
NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule urged the government to either withdraw the bill completely or send it to a standing committee. Sule emphasised the importance of consultation and warned against pushing agendas without proper dialogue. Her plea in the Lok Sabha highlighted the opposition's desire for more inclusive and thorough deliberation on such significant legislation.
RSP MP NK Premachandran voiced a strong warning, stating that the bill could be struck down if subjected to judicial scrutiny. Premachandran argued that the bill disempowers the Waqf Board and the Waqf council, dismantling the existing system and conflicting with constitutional principles. His caution underscored the potential legal challenges that could arise from the bill's implementation.
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav expressed his opposition by suggesting that the bill was introduced as part of a calculated political strategy. Yadav hinted at broader implications, even suggesting that the Speaker's rights might be affected, urging a united front against the bill.
Congress MP KC Venugopal labelled the bill an "attack on the federal system." Venugopal stressed the importance of respecting the faith of all religions and argued that the bill was specifically designed to influence upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. He reminded the ruling party of past electoral lessons and warned against divisive politics.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi contended that the bill violates Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution, which pertain to equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination, and freedom of conscience and religion, respectively. Owaisi described the bill as discriminatory and arbitrary, accusing the central government of dividing the nation and acting against the interests of Muslims.
DMK MP Kanimozhi added that the bill directly violates Article 30, which grants minorities the right to establish and administer their institutions. Kanimozhi argued that the bill targets a specific religious group, further highlighting concerns about religious discrimination.
In contrast, JD(U) MP and Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan defended the bill, asserting that it aims to bring transparency and is not against Muslims. Ranjan accused the opposition of diverting from the main issue by comparing the bill to temple management and questioned the Congress party's historical treatment of minorities. His defence sought to counter the opposition's claims and present the bill as a means to ensure fairness and transparency.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, in introducing the bill, emphasised that it does not interfere with the freedom of any religious body. Rijiju argued that the bill aims to provide rights to those who have been historically deprived, countering claims of rights infringement.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, thus remains a contentious issue, with significant opposition resistance and defence from the ruling party. The bill's future and its potential impact on the political and social landscape continue to be subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.
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