Congress MP K Suresh on Wednesday declared that the entire INDIA bloc opposes the Waqf Amendment Bill and will resist its passage in Parliament.
“The entire opposition is against this bill. Our members in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) have also decided to oppose it. Yesterday, INDIA bloc leaders unanimously agreed to reject this amendment,” Suresh stated.
Congress leader Khaleequr Rahman criticized the central government, alleging that the bill is being pushed forward in an unconstitutional manner. Expressing disappointment over the JPC proceedings, he accused the ruling party of disregarding opposition recommendations.
“The entire process has been highly disappointing. The JPC has ignored most of the suggestions put forth by opposition members. Instead, the BJP is trying to bulldoze the bill through Parliament,” Rahman said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Atul Londhe accused the JPC of dismissing amendments proposed by the opposition.
“When the bill was placed before the cabinet, opposition amendments were omitted. There was an uproar, and later we learned that only 14 out of 44 proposed changes were approved. The government does not want a clause-by-clause discussion in the JPC. Out of 31 JPC members, 21 belong to the NDA, ensuring an unfair advantage,” Londhe stated.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vinod Bansal accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and urged the Muslim community to reject “radical leadership.”
“I urge people to read the bill before spreading misinformation. The Muslim community should abandon leaders who make false allegations and attack democratic traditions. The Waqf Board controls vast land holdings, but have common Muslims benefitted? Now, the government wants these assets to benefit everyone, but the opposition is creating hurdles,” Bansal said.
The bill is set to be tabled after Question Hour for consideration and passing, with an 8-hour discussion scheduled, subject to extension.
Initially introduced in the Lok Sabha in August last year, the bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by Jagdambika Pal for further review.
The amendment seeks to reform the Waqf Act of 1995 by improving the management and regulation of Waqf properties. Key changes include renaming the Act, updating definitions, streamlining the registration process, and incorporating technology for better record-keeping. The existing Waqf Act has faced criticism over allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
