The BJP-led NDA government has been slammed by opposition leaders over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The upcoming bill aims to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995, a move that has sparked a flurry of criticism and accusations from various quarters.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s strong critique
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has vociferously criticised the amendments, alleging that they are a guise for selling off Waqf Board lands. In a provocative social media post on X, Yadav charged the BJP with targeting Waqf Board properties in a broader scheme to benefit the party’s agenda.
Yadav wrote, “All these amendments of the ‘Waqf Board’ are just an excuse; Selling lands like defence, railway and Nazul land is the target.”
He suggested that the BJP, instead of calling itself “Janata” (people), should rebrand as “Zameen” (land) due to its focus on land deals. Yadav also demanded a formal guarantee that Waqf Board lands would not be sold.
“BJP is working like a real estate company. It should change its name by adding ‘Zameen’ instead of ‘Janta’: Bhartiya Zameen Party #nhiiN_caahie_bhaajpaa,” he said.
Congress and other opposition parties weigh in
The Congress party has also voiced its opposition to the bill. Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal submitted a notice opposing the bill’s introduction, with fellow Congress MP Hibi Eden echoing similar sentiments. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has expressed serious concerns, suggesting that the government’s moves could undermine the rights of the Waqf Board.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has labelled the bill as discriminatory and unconstitutional. In his motion against the bill, Owaisi argues that it violates fundamental rights and encroaches upon religious freedoms. He called out the bill for potentially breaching the principles of non-discrimination and judicial independence.
Key provisions of the proposed bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to bring significant changes to the management of Waqf properties. It includes several key provisions:
Renaming the Act: The bill proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995.
Redefinition of Waqf: It aims to redefine “waqf” to include only those waqfs established by persons practising Islam for at least five years.
Omission of Certain Provisions: The bill plans to remove provisions related to “waqf by user” and grants powers of property decision-making to the Collector instead of the Board.
Reform in Tribunal Structure: It proposes a streamlined Tribunal structure with provisions for appeals to the High Court within ninety days.
Inclusion of Diverse Representation: The bill seeks broader representation in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, including Muslim women and non-Muslims.
Legislative changes on the horizon
Alongside the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the government will also introduce the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, aiming to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. This repeal and the accompanying amendments are designed to address issues related to the powers and management of Waqf properties.
Inputs from ANI
