Opposition, religious leaders call Waqf Bill ‘biggest attack’ on Muslims

New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has ramped up its protest against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with several Opposition leaders labeling it a “black Bill” that seeks to unjustly confiscate properties of the Muslim community.

While the BJP stands firm on the necessity of the Waqf Bill, claiming it will safeguard national interests, the political and social divide on the matter continues to widen, setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation.

The Waqf Bill, which is designed to amend existing laws governing properties donated for religious or charitable purposes, has sparked a fierce backlash from the Muslim community.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi voiced strong objections to it, questioning the legal reasoning behind certain provisions.

“You say no oral gifts can be made to mosques, but then how can personal property transfers to children be allowed? Which law are you invoking here?” Owaisi said, arguing that the amendments would create confusion and undermine the Waqf system’s integrity. The Samajwadi Party has also been vocal in its Opposition to the Bill.

Fakhrul Hasan Chaand, a prominent leader, criticised the Bill for disregarding suggestions put forward by various stakeholders.

“The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) ignored key feedback because its chairman is a BJP member. This is not a democratic process,” said Chaand.

The Samajwadi Party, along with other Opposition parties, has pledged to continue protesting until the Bill is withdrawn.

The Congress party has also criticised the Waqf Bill. Nizam Uddin Bhat, a Congress MLA, expressed concern over the Bill’s implications for religious freedom and the rights of minority communities.

“This interference is unfair. Every religion must be allowed to manage its properties without governmental intrusion. The Bill is a violation of equal rights,” he said.

Ujjwal Raman Singh, a Congress MP, echoed these sentiments, calling for more inclusive discussions. “The concerns of a large section of the population remain unaddressed. The Waqf Bill cannot be deemed complete without the consensus of all parties involved. A majority-driven decision might pass the Bill, but it won’t necessarily create a just law,” Singh warned. (IANS)

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