Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, senior Telangana Congress leader and Chairman of the state Waqf Board has vehemently criticized the recently introduced Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Hussaini condemned the bill as "a bulldozer on Waqf Board properties," arguing that it threatens the very foundation of Waqf institutions. His remarks follow the bill's introduction in the Lok Sabha on Thursday by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, which has since sparked a heated debate across political circles.
Hussaini accused the BJP of engaging in "vendetta politics" with this bill, suggesting that it is a reaction to the lack of support from minority voters. He urged the BJP’s alliance partners, including Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], to oppose the bill. His call to action highlights the contentious nature of the proposed legislation and its potential to affect political alliances.
The bill has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for further scrutiny. It proposes several significant amendments to the Waqf Act, including provisions to include Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf bodies. Additionally, it suggests removing Section 40, which currently gives Waqf boards the authority to determine Waqf properties. This change has sparked widespread concern among various political and religious groups.
Opposition parties have labeled the bill as an "attack on the Constitution" and an unwarranted interference in religious affairs. Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal described the bill as "draconian" and politically motivated, especially in light of upcoming state elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.
In defense of the bill, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju argued that the amendments are intended to expand the scope of the existing law and ensure justice for those who have been previously excluded. He asserted that the bill aims to implement reforms suggested by committees from the previous Congress government, maintaining that no rights or religious freedoms are being compromised.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has stated that the JPC will be constituted after consulting with leaders from all parties, ensuring that the bill undergoes comprehensive examination before any further legislative action is taken. This process underscores the importance of a thorough review in addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
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