The Waqf Amendment Bill of 2024 will be tabled today in the Lok Sabha, with significant discussions anticipated on its proposed changes to the administration of Muslim charitable properties. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP members support the bill, while leaders from Congress and other opposition parties express strong dissent, framing the legislative debate as a critical issue of secularism and minority rights.
The Waqf Amendment Bill of 2024, proposed to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, is set to be introduced by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha today. This bill is anticipated to undergo an extensive discussion following the Question Hour. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have instructed their Members of Parliament to ensure attendance during this significant session.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has expressed that the bill is constitutional and beneficial for Muslims, asserting that opposition to it stems from anti-Muslim sentiments. Conversely, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal suggests the outcome of the vote will indicate which parties remain secular, especially in light of upcoming elections in Bihar. Opposition members are preparing to voice their dissent against the proposed changes.
In protest of the amendments, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has donned black attire to signify opposition. Kiren Rijiju has characterized this day as historic, advocating for the bill as beneficial not only for Muslims but for the nation as a whole. He urges that any opposition should be grounded in logic and rational arguments based on thorough preparation.
The Janasena party, allied with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has extended its support to the bill, expecting it to benefit the Muslim community. Conversely, Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan critiques the bill as an interference in religious matters, presenting a counter-narrative to the government’s proposal. Additionally, Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party labels the amendments as dictatorial and unconstitutional, claiming the necessity of discussions to clarify the implications of the bill.
Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams has defended the bill against opposition claims, emphasizing the hope that poor Muslims have in Prime Minister Modi’s government to improve their conditions. With BJP holding a numerical advantage in the Lok Sabha with 240 members, the ruling party is expected to secure sufficient votes for the bill’s passage amid robust opposition.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced his absolute opposition to the bill, deeming it unacceptable. The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes significant revisions to the administration of Muslim charitable properties, resulting from a comprehensive review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) which has accepted some amendments while rejecting many from the opposition.
As the session progresses, the Waqf Amendment Bill’s trajectory appears contentious, encapsulating a broader debate on religion, politics, and minority rights within India’s legislative space. The developments today will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions surrounding secularism in Indian politics and governance.
In summary, the Waqf Amendment Bill of 2024 is a central focus in Parliament today, promising significant discussion and debate. It seeks to amend provisions related to the administration of Muslim charitable properties, amid contrasting opinions between proponents who deem it a necessity for the community and opponents who argue it infringes on religious autonomy. With both the ruling party and the opposition gearing up for a contentious vote, the outcomes will be highly revealing regarding the current political landscape and the implications for secularism in India.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
