The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday adopted a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during its Parliamentary Board meeting. The party reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of minorities and urged the Central government to consult with the Muslim community before implementing any legal changes that directly impact them.
Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, SAD leader Daljit S. Cheema emphasised the party's strong opposition to the amendments proposed for the Waqf Board. He expressed concern over the government's decision to alter the nomination process and introduce the possibility of non-Muslim members being appointed to the board.
Cheema stated, "We have passed a resolution against the amendments to the Waqf Board. Minorities are an essential part of India. The government is expanding the nomination process and considering the inclusion of non-Muslims as members of the Waqf Board."
Drawing a parallel to past instances, Cheema referenced modifications made to the management structure of the Hazur Sahib Board for Sikhs in Patna. He explained that similar actions had been taken before when nominations were increased, leading to greater government control.
"Previously, the Hazur Sahib Board for Sikhs in Patna saw an increase in nominations, effectively allowing the government to take control. Now, a similar pattern is emerging concerning our Muslim brothers. The government must immediately halt such initiatives," he said.
The Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib Board is responsible for the administration of the Takhat Sahib and its affiliated gurdwaras, while the management of the Patna Sahib Takhat falls under the Bihar government's jurisdiction.
Cheema stressed that amendments of this nature should not be implemented without obtaining consent from the affected community.
"We are fully opposed to these changes unless the Muslim community itself consents to them. No law should be enacted without thorough discussions and consultations with the stakeholders. It is unacceptable to impose non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board or to transfer authority to bureaucratic officers," he remarked.
Expressing concerns over the broader implications, Cheema warned that such measures could erode trust among minority communities. "These actions are deeply concerning and will inevitably lead to unease. If the faith of minorities in the system is shaken, the government must take immediate steps to rectify the situation and uphold their rights," he cautioned.
Beyond its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the SAD also passed a resolution condemning the recent act of vandalism targeting a statue of B.R. Ambedkar in Phillaur, located in the Jalandhar district. Cheema described the incident as a calculated effort to incite social discord and create tensions among communities.
"Another significant resolution was adopted during today's meeting regarding the recent act of defacement at the statue of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Offensive slogans were found written near the statue, and subsequently, a video was circulated from abroad containing derogatory remarks about him. This is an utterly cowardly act. Today's resolution strongly condemns this incident, as it represents a deliberate conspiracy to disrupt Punjab's social harmony," he said.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. The bill is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2. Both the ruling party and opposition factions have issued strict instructions to their Members of Parliament to ensure full attendance during the session.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) released a statement instructing its members to be present in the Lok Sabha on the day of the bill's introduction. The party emphasised the significance of the proposed legislation and urged its MPs to participate actively in the debate.
"The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament, directing them to be present in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025. This directive comes in light of the scheduled introduction of the Waqf Bill, which is expected to be a matter of significant discussion in the House," the statement read.
Similarly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has urged its members in the Rajya Sabha to attend the session on April 3, as key legislative matters, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, are expected to be taken up for discussion and voting.
A statement issued by the BJP read, "All Members of the Rajya Sabha of the Bharatiya Janata Party are hereby informed that some very important legislative matters will be taken up for passing in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, 3rd April 2025."
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju previously confirmed that the government intends to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on April 2.
He indicated that the bill would be taken up for discussion following the Question Hour. The debate is expected to last approximately eight hours, though it may be extended depending on the proceedings of the House.
With tensions rising over the proposed amendments and opposition from various quarters, the debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is likely to be closely watched as it unfolds in Parliament.
Also Read: Waqf bill sparks Parliament showdown, Rijiju leads
Follow us
