The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to amend the 1995 Waqf Act and address property management issues, will be introduced in the Lok Sabha today. Despite opposition plans to vote against it, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju believes many opposition members secretly support the bill, alleging political motives drive opposition while acknowledging private backing from Congress leaders and other parties.
Rijiju claimed the opposition resists the bill due to vote bank concerns. He stated that this legislation, introduced during PM Modi’s tenure, supports the poorest Muslims. The aim is to aid India’s impoverished Muslim population and prevent Waqf Board power abuse.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, aimed at enhancing Waqf property management, faced opposition criticism for being unconstitutional and biased towards Muslims. Introduced in August 2024, it proceeded to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which approved 14 amendments but dismissed 44 by opposing MPs claiming rushing by the government.
Opposition parties are concerned about provisions in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which include increased centralization of control over waqf properties and impacts on local administration. The key amendments involve renaming the act, redefining waqf, improving registration, and enhancing records management using technology. The Business Advisory Committee allotted only eight hours for debate, despite the opposition’s request for 12.
The BJP-led Centre, with 293 NDA members in the 543-member Lok Sabha, including 240 BJP MPs, is confident of passing the bill due to its majority, expected to reach 295 votes with TDP and JDU support. The opposition, comprising the Congress and allies, holds about 234 votes, putting the NDA comfortably above the majority mark of 272.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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