Shiv Sena MP Sandipan Bhumre and other prominent leaders of the ruling party have underscored the necessity of achieving consensus and securing the confidence of the Muslim community before implementing any amendments to the Waqf Act.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, proposes significant changes to the existing legislation, including measures to ensure representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf boards. Additionally, the Bill seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
Following a heated debate in Parliament, the Bill was referred to a joint committee for further review. While the government has asserted that the proposed amendments will not interfere with the functioning of mosques, the opposition has criticised the Bill as an attack on the Muslim community and the Constitution.
During a felicitation programme in Maharashtra's Jalna district on Sunday, Bhumre highlighted the importance of consensus and taking the Muslim community into confidence before proceeding with any changes to the Waqf Act.
Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra minister Arjun Khotkar echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for careful deliberation. "Waqf refers to properties donated by Muslims for the welfare of the community," Khotkar explained, adding that his party should ensure the Muslim community's trust to avoid any negative perceptions. "The Waqf Act is a sensitive issue, and the government should consider the sentiments of Muslims," he said.
Maharashtra State Board of Waqf (MSBW) Chairman Sameer Kazi, who was present at the event, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the financial assistance provided to improve the board's infrastructure. Kazi noted that the number of employees in the MSBW had increased significantly from 27 to 170, including 25 class I officers, thanks to government support.
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