DMK MP from Tamil Nadu, A Raja, launched a scathing attack on the Centre during the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, questioning the credibility of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s statements. His sharp criticism sparked intense discussions in the House, with opposition leaders backing his stance. Raja, known for his fiery speeches, directly challenged Rijiju’s remarks, claiming that the minister’s version of events was completely baseless. “I wonder where the honourable Minister got the courage to tell such a cock and bull story. If his speech matches with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report, I will resign from this House,” Raja declared, further intensifying the debate.
Strongly opposing the proposed legislation, Raja raised concerns about its potential impact on minority rights and religious freedom. He accused the Union government of attempting to pass the bill without holding meaningful consultations with key stakeholders, particularly representatives from the Muslim community. Warning of its long-term consequences, he argued that the bill could seriously damage the secular fabric of the country and create unnecessary friction between religious communities.
Highlighting the historical context of Waqf properties, Raja pointed out that Tamil Nadu alone has vast land holdings under Waqf, and any legislative changes could disrupt the status quo, affecting thousands of people. He questioned the true intent of the government behind the amendments, alleging that they were aimed at eroding the autonomy of Waqf boards. “The irony is that the minorities’ rights are going to be protected by this bill, yet there is no Muslim MP to introduce or support it,” he said, pointing out what he perceived as the government’s hypocrisy.
Expressing deep concerns over the way the bill was drafted, Raja pointed out that it failed to acknowledge the ground realities faced by state governments and Waqf authorities. He noted the contradictions between the Centre’s push for this legislation and the stance taken by various state assemblies, calling it a blatant disregard for democratic federalism. “Is it not paradoxical that the political will of the entire country is reflected here, while in the state assembly, it is completely opposite?” he asked. He warned that such inconsistencies in governance could undermine national unity and create further divisions among communities.
To strengthen his argument, Raja referenced historical precedents and key constitutional debates from India’s early years as an independent nation. He invoked the role of India’s first deputy prime minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in handling minority rights and Waqf-related matters, arguing that the foundational spirit of those discussions was being ignored in the present bill. He also took aim at previous amendments to the Waqf Act, stating that earlier governments had at least attempted to engage with all stakeholders before introducing changes. In contrast, he claimed, the current administration had taken a unilateral approach, bypassing essential discussions with the affected communities.
Accusing the government of acting with ulterior motives, Raja made an impassioned plea for the bill to be scrapped entirely. He insisted that the proposed amendments, in their current form, were unconstitutional and represented a direct assault on the rights of religious minorities. His speech, though lengthy and occasionally disjointed, underscored the deep divisions within the House regarding the bill. The opposition benches echoed his sentiments, with several MPs rallying against what they described as an unjustified encroachment on Waqf properties and a violation of minority protections.
Amidst the heated debate, several other opposition leaders also voiced their disapproval of the bill, calling it an unnecessary move that could further alienate minorities. Some MPs demanded that the government reconsider its approach and hold fresh consultations with religious and community leaders before proceeding with the legislation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju. Since its introduction, it has faced widespread criticism from opposition parties, religious organizations, and civil rights groups, who argue that it lacks transparency and could lead to increased government interference in Waqf affairs. While the government has defended the bill as a necessary reform to streamline Waqf management, opposition leaders like Raja maintain that it is nothing more than an attempt to erode minority rights and centralize control over religious properties.
As the debate rages on, political analysts believe that the bill is likely to remain a contentious issue in the coming weeks. With elections on the horizon, opposition parties are expected to use this legislation as a key talking point to galvanize support among minority communities. Meanwhile, the government has signaled its intent to move forward with the bill despite the opposition’s objections, setting the stage for further confrontations in Parliament.
