The government on Thursday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha and after a brief discussion, agreed to refer it to a joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny. The bill aims to change the Waqf Act drastically, affecting the proprietorship and management of nearly 8.5 lakh Waqf properties in India. NDA allies, particularly Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal(U) and LJP, told BJP leadership that since a lot of confusion has been spread about this bill among Muslims, it would be better to refer it to a JPC instead of hurriedly passing it in Parliament. Opposition parties led by Congress, Samajwadi party, NCP(Sharad pawar), DMK, National Conference, Indian Union Muslim League and Owaisi’s AIMIM, strongly opposed the bill alleging that it amount to governmental interference in the working of Waqf Boards. The opposition alleged that the government’s motive behind this bill was not bonafide, and it was measure to ensure backdoor acquisition of Waqf properties. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced two bills, Waqf Amendment Bill and Mussalman Waqf Repeal Bill in Lok Sabha. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, since the bills violate Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution, it is an arbitrary step which goes against the basic nature of the Constitution. OPINION | Waqf Act amendment: Why now?
The government on Thursday tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha and after a brief discussion, agreed to refer it to a joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny. The bill aims to change the Waqf Act drastically, affecting the proprietorship and management of nearly 8.5 lakh Waqf properties in India. NDA allies, particularly Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal(U) and LJP, told BJP leadership that since a lot of confusion has been spread about this bill among Muslims, it would be better to refer it to a JPC instead of hurriedly passing it in Parliament. Opposition parties led by Congress, Samajwadi party, NCP(Sharad pawar), DMK, National Conference, Indian Union Muslim League and Owaisi’s AIMIM, strongly opposed the bill alleging that it amount to governmental interference in the working of Waqf Boards. The opposition alleged that the government’s motive behind this bill was not bonafide, and it was measure to ensure backdoor acquisition of Waqf properties. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced two bills, Waqf Amendment Bill and Mussalman Waqf Repeal Bill in Lok Sabha. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, since the bills violate Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution, it is an arbitrary step which goes against the basic nature of the Constitution. 
