Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabhaamid opposition’s uproar. The BJP-led government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to amend the Waqf Act of 1995. The bill aims to “effectively address issues” concerning the powers of the State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments.
Congress Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal had previously submitted a notice on Thursday opposing the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP Hibi Eden also issued a notice to oppose the bill. Additionally, the Samajwadi Party has stated its intention to oppose the bill in Parliament.
#WATCH | Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju moves Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/g65rf2tDow
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024
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Congress MP K Suresh, the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, stated that the opposition does not support the bill. In a Business Advisory Committee meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju revealed that the government plans to introduce the Waqf Act Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha today, following the Question Hour. Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, NCP (SCP), Samajwadi Party, and DMK, have voiced their opposition to the bill. Suresh pointed out that the bill is being expedited without prior consultation with relevant Muslim organizations and stakeholders, implying that it is being used for political gain or to create polarization ahead of the upcoming elections. Despite the opposition’s demands for the bill to be sent to the Standing Committee for thorough evaluation, the government has not agreed to withdraw its proposal. The entire opposition is firmly against this bill.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore noted that Parliament is functioning smoothly, discussing important matters including the budget. He suggested that the government is using diversionary tactics to avoid budget discussions and emphasized that they will request the amendments be referred to the Standing Committee.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Muhammed Basheer highlighted the seriousness of the issue, stating that the government is attempting to seize the rights of the Waqf Board.
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