Lok Sabha Waqf Bill: Owaisi Accuses Center of Dividing Nation, Anti-Muslim

Central Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha today. As soon as the bill was introduced, there was a commotion in the parliament. This bill was opposed by Congress, SP, NCP (Sharad Pawar), AIMIM, TMC, CPI(M), IUML, DMK, and RSP.

Opposition leader K.C. Venugopal raised objections, stating that the bill attacks the fundamental rights granted by religion and the constitution. Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said, “The government wants to create disputes among communities. The government’s intention regarding this bill is not good. You want to divide the people of the country.”

Kiren Rijiju responded, saying, “Amendments have been made to the Waqf Act before. We are making changes based on the Sachar Committee’s report. It was you (Congress) who constituted this committee.”

SP MP Mohibullah Says Waqf Amendment Bill Opposes Muslim Rights

SP MP Mohibullah said that the Waqf Amendment Bill is against the rights of Muslims and interferes with religion. “If this happens, no minority will feel secure in the country,” he said. TMC MP Sudeep Bandyopadhyay and DMK MP K. Kanimozhi deemed the bill unconstitutional.

Bill Post-Amendment: Waqf Board’s Authority and Transparency

After the bill is passed, the Waqf Board will no longer be able to claim any property as its own. Currently, the Waqf has the authority to declare any land as its property. Before claiming land, it will need to be verified, which will prevent arbitrary actions by the board.

The restructuring of the board will increase participation from all sections, including women. Muslim intellectuals, women, and groups like Shias and Bohras have long demanded changes in the existing law.

Opposition Reactions to the Waqf Amendment Bill

Asaduddin Owaisi opposed the introduction of the bill under Rule 72 (2) and stated that it is an attack on the fundamental spirit of the constitution. “You can transfer all properties to your sons and daughters, but we can only give a third share. If Hindu organizations and Gurdwara management committees do not include members of other religions, then why should the Waqf? This bill creates a divide between Hindus and Muslims. Waqf property is not public property. The government wants to take over dargahs and other properties. The government says it is giving to women, but you are working to divide the country. You are enemies of Muslims.”

Venugopal: Waqf Bill is an Attack on Fundamental Rights

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal raised concerns against the Waqf Bill, stating that it violates the rights to religious freedom provided by the constitution. Venugopal remarked that Waqf is also a religious institution. “This bill is an attack on fundamental rights and attempts to divide society.”

Kanimozhi: Bill Violates Constitutional Provisions and Targets Muslims

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said that the bill violates constitutional provisions. “If no non-Hindu member is included in any temple committee, why should there be any in the Waqf? This bill specifically targets religious groups that violate the equality laws. It is completely against Muslims. This country is secular, with people of various religions and languages.”

Supriya Sule Calls for Withdrawal or Referral to Standing Committee

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule suggested either withdrawing the bill or sending it to the Standing Committee. “Do not proceed with the agenda without consulting anyone. The draft of the bill reached the media before it reached the MPs. Speaker Om Birla said that the bill was sent to MPs on August 6. Check the MPs portal.”

Mohammad Bashir: Bill is a Major Injustice

Kerala Muslim League MP Mohammad Bashir opposed the bill, stating that the government is committing a major injustice. “You are killing the system with this bill. You are creating Hindu-Muslim divides. We will not let the country go in that direction.”

CPI(M) MP K. Radhakrishnan: Government Didn’t Consult Muslims or Organizations

CPI(M) MP K. Radhakrishnan said that the government did not consult any Muslims or organizations before presenting the bill. It should be withdrawn and sent to the Standing Committee for discussion. RSP MP N.K. Premchandran raised objections under Rule 72 (2), calling it a violation of fundamental rights.

Congress MP Imran Masood: Waqf Board Manages Mosques

Congress MP Imran Masood stated that the Waqf Board manages mosques and that the government wants to strip Waqf’s powers to create a DM Raj.

Lalan Singh: Waqf Bill is Not Anti-Muslim

Central Minister Lalan Singh supported the Waqf Bill in parliament, defending it against opposition criticism. “This bill is not anti-Muslim. It addresses transparency issues. When any institution becomes autocratic, the government will legislate for its control and transparency. It is the government’s right. The bill aims for transparency. Opposition talks about minorities and past events,” Singh said.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar Leaves Rajya Sabha Amid Protests

Previously, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar left the proceedings due to the behavior of opposition MPs. During the discussion, TMC MP Derek O’Brien was presenting his views by creating a commotion. Dhankhar rebuked him, saying, “How dare you create a ruckus on the chair? You are trying to show that I am unfit for my position.”

“There are many senior politicians in the House, but their party members insult the chair in their presence. This is not just an insult to me, but to the chair. I have not been feeling well in this situation for some time. Saying this, he left his seat. Later, Deputy Chairman Harivansh continued the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.