BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has strongly criticized the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) for protesting against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling the demonstration a “political protest” without any substantial grounds. Pal, who is also the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill, pointed out that the bill has not yet been introduced, and the protest was premature.
In an interview with ANI, Pal stated, “This is a political protest. The act has not even been introduced yet. We have only submitted our 428-page report, and the amendment bill has been brought. They should express their concerns only after the bill is passed.” He also questioned the motivations behind the protest led by the AIMPLB, AIMIM, and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, stating that these groups have no legitimate basis for opposing the bill at this stage.
Pal further emphasized that the District Magistrate (DM) would not have any powers under the proposed amendments. He explained that if any dispute arises regarding Waqf property, higher authorities like the state secretary or commissioner would handle the matter. He assured that the amendment aims to protect Waqf lands and prevent any unauthorized sale, which would ultimately benefit the poor.
“The amendment will prohibit the selling of Waqf land, and it will benefit the poor,” Pal said, responding to claims that the bill would lead to the sale of Waqf property.
The protest, led by Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas of the AIMPLB, took place at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Ilyas called for peaceful demonstrations and urged the government to listen to the voice of the people, accusing the administration of obstructing protestors by halting their buses. “The government should not be afraid and should listen to the voice of the people,” he stated.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who was also present at the protest, claimed that the amendments in the Joint Parliamentary Committee report would lead to the dissolution of the Waqf Board.
