Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has recently voiced significant concerns regarding a controversial report submitted by the Delhi Waqf Board, emphasizing that it should be treated as "null and void" due to its submission occurring without the formal approval of the Delhi government. In a detailed letter directed to the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, Atishi clearly stated that the report was prepared by IAS Ashwini Kumar, the administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board, and submitted without any government sanction or oversight.
In her correspondence, Atishi stressed the importance of governmental approval in matters concerning the Waqf Board, asserting that any discussions, presentations, or deliberations related to this particular report should be immediately canceled until a legitimate report is submitted with the express approval of the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This assertion not only reiterates her previous comments but has also garnered support from various opposition leaders who claim that significant modifications were made to the report without the Delhi government's consent or knowledge.
In a clear show of discontent, several opposition members, including AAP's Sanjay Singh, DMK's Mohammed Abdulla, and Congress's Naseer Hussain, chose to walk out of the JPC meeting in protest. Their action highlights the rising tensions surrounding the issue, as they contend that the alterations made by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner and the Delhi Waqf Board administrator reflect a serious breach of protocol, given that they acted without the Chief Minister's authorization and input.
The backdrop to this political turmoil involves the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by the Delhi government on August 8. The government presented this bill as an initiative aimed at enhancing the functioning of the Waqf Board and improving the management of Waqf properties across the capital. However, the legislation has faced considerable backlash from opposition parties and various Muslim organizations, which argue that it represents a targeted attack on their community and an infringement upon their constitutional rights.
Amid this charged atmosphere, the JPC has been actively soliciting feedback from the public, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders regarding the proposed changes to the Waqf law. The committee granted a 15-day period for individuals and organizations to submit their feedback before proceeding with its scheduled meetings. In a subsequent session, the JPC is set to hear oral testimonies from various Waqf boards across the country, including the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqf. This process reflects the ongoing deliberations surrounding the proposed amendments and the significant implications they may have on the Waqf community and governance in Delhi.Â
The developments are part of a broader narrative involving power dynamics in Delhi politics, highlighting the complexities and tensions that arise when different political factions grapple for control and influence over critical legislative matters.
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