A heated debate erupted in the Lok Sabha as the government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with the Opposition accusing it of targeting minorities and being unconstitutional. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the bill to amend the law governing Waqf boards, which led to strong protests from Opposition MPs. They labeled the bill as "draconian" and an effort to "divide the country" along religious lines. Rijiju and other government representatives rebuffed these claims, asserting that the bill aimed to curb the mafia's hold on the Waqf board and did not infringe on any religious freedoms.
The bill seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, intending to streamline the registration of Waqf properties through a central portal.
Congress leader KC Venugopal called the bill a "fundamental attack" on the Constitution, suggesting it would foster religious divisions and violence. He connected the bill to the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, alleging that it was crafted to provoke conflict and anger among communities. Venugopal also criticized the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf governing council, arguing that it was an attack on the freedom of religion.
DMK MP Kanimozhi argued that the bill violated Article 30 of the Constitution, which allows minorities to administer their institutions. She claimed the bill specifically targeted a particular religious group. Supriya Sule from NCP demanded the bill be withdrawn or sent to a standing committee, criticizing the government for pushing agendas without consultation.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also opposed the bill, stating that it violated judicial principles and restricted the management of the Waqf board. He pointed out the inconsistency in the government's approach to Hindu and Muslim religious properties, accusing it of being anti-Muslim.
Other proposed changes in the bill include the formation of a Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards with representation from Muslim women and non-Muslims. It also designates the District Collector as the arbiter for determining if a property is Waqf property or government land.
Rijiju defended the bill, asserting it was designed to protect rights and based on the Sachar committee's report, which studied the conditions of Muslims in India. He emphasized that the bill aimed to bring transparency and address issues of land grabbing by the mafia. Union Minister and JD(U) member Rajiv Ranjan Singh supported Rijiju, clarifying that the bill was not anti-Muslim and aimed at inclusive reforms.
The TDP, a key ally of the BJP-led NDA, along with the JD(U), backed the Waqf bill, stressing the government's responsibility to implement reforms and streamline processes. They also indicated no objections to sending the bill to a select committee. The debate highlighted deep divisions in the Lok Sabha over the bill's implications for religious freedom and minority rights.
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