"Bill will usher transparency, accountability" says BJP's CR Kesavan as INDIA bloc questions government on Waqf amendment

New Delhi: The BJP-led government is slated to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The bill seeks to "effectively address issues" related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties and removal of encroachments.
Even as the INDIA bloc decided to oppose the bill the BJP lashed out at the Congress and its allies claiming that they were standing in the way of much-needed reform.
"It is a very commendable initiative by the government of PM Narendra Modi, who in response to the various demands and representations made by the affected members of the Muslim community have decided to introduce these amendments. The Waqf Act was enacted by an Act of Parliament in 1954, but the intended objective has not been achieved, which is why there have been so many representations from the affected community. It is very well within the purview of parliament and the deserving, and disadvantaged Muslim members of the community have been denied their rights," BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan said.
"In many instances, misappropriation and misuse in the management of properties have happened. Now that this bill, which has the rightful amendments to redress the lacunae is being introduced, we are very sure that the disadvantaged, deserving and poor sections of the Muslim community will be empowered. This bill will usher in transparency, will usher in accountability and also inclusivity in the management of Waqf properties henceforth," he added further.
Lashing out at the centre over the introduction of a Bill further to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party on whether the Bill had been discussed with their allies.
"The way this bill is being brought, I would ask if it has been discussed within their alliance (NDA). Have JDU and TDP seen this Waqf bill and have given their consent? If it has not been done, then it is only important that whenever such a bill comes, all the stakeholders, parliamentarians must be heard and amendments to be made if needed," said Priyanka Chaturvedi.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Muhammed Basheer said, "It is going to be tabled today and we will surely oppose it vehemently. I think everybody is united in this... I feel that some of them who are giving support (to govt) may also join us in this protest. The issue is very serious, they are capturing the entire rights of the board and handing it over to the government..."
Meanwhile, Congress Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal on Thursday submitted a notice to oppose the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP Mr Hibi Eden also gave notice to oppose the bill. The Samajwadi Party will also oppose the Waqf Act Amendment Bill in Parliament.