Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams launched a strong attack on the opposition for opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating that poor Muslims place their hopes in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He framed the debate as “70 saal Vs Modi Karyakal” (70 years vs Modi era), emphasizing the need for reform.
Speaking to ANI, Shams asserted that the Modi-led central government is committed to integrating poor Muslims into the mainstream.
“Poor Muslims have hopes from PM Modi, and that is why we have named this amendment bill ‘Ummeed’. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is a ray of hope… PM Modi’s government has decided to bring poor Muslims into the mainstream. It is ’70 saal Vs Modi Karyakal’,” Shams stated.
Criticizing the opposition, Shams accused them of misusing Waqf resources over the past seven decades.
“They looted Waqf. They deprived the poor of their rights. Now, they are trying to scare Muslims by claiming that mosques will be taken away. Those opposing the bill are not genuine Muslims; they are political Muslims from Congress, Samajwadi Party, AAP, and Janata Dal. NGOs and committees like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and the Muslim Personal Law Board are backing them because they seek political benefits in the Rajya Sabha through backdoor means. They are Waqf beneficiaries, worried that their privileges will be taken away. This bill is meant to benefit poor Muslims, and we are confident that PM Modi will ensure its passage,” he added.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress issuing whips to their MPs to ensure full attendance.
With the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc showing no signs of bipartisan cooperation, the bill’s fate is likely to be determined by a majority vote on the floor.
The bill will be presented for consideration and passage after the Question Hour, followed by an 8-hour discussion, which may be extended if necessary.
Both BJP and Congress, along with their allies, have instructed their MPs to be present in Parliament on April 2 and 3.
The opposition has been vocal in its criticism, with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief whip Dharmendra Yadav issuing a three-line whip for all its MPs in the Lok Sabha, urging them to attend the session and participate in discussions on the bill.
Initially introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2023, the bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee under the leadership of Jagdambika Pal for further review.
The bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to address challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. Proposed changes include renaming the Act, refining the definition of Waqf, improving the registration process, and incorporating technology to streamline property management.
The Waqf Act of 1995 has faced longstanding criticism over issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The amendment aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of Waqf boards to ensure better administration and oversight of these properties.
