BJP vs INDIA: The ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has become a significant flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the opposition INDIA Alliance. This bill aims to amend regulations for managing Waqf properties in India. These properties consist of lands donated for religious purposes, primarily within the Muslim community. As tensions rise, political leaders, activists, and the general public scrutinize the implications of this bill.
The Significance of Waqf Properties
Waqf properties are critical assets, ranking as the third-largest land holdings in India after railways and defense. Allegations of mismanagement, encroachment, and corruption have long surrounded the management of these properties. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to address these issues. It aims to introduce reforms such as digitization, stricter audits, and improved transparency while also creating a legal framework to recover unlawfully occupied lands.
BJP vs INDIA: Disruptions in the JPC Meeting
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting intended to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill faced significant disruptions. Opposition MPs, including members from Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), walked out, claiming the committee did not follow appropriate procedures. Their actions were prompted by remarks from Anwar Manippadi, a former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission. He alleged a ₹2 lakh crore land encroachment scam involving Mallikarjun Kharge.
Tejasvi Surya, the youngest BJP MP and a member of the JPC, addressed the disruptions on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “I have brought to Speaker Shri @ombirlakota’s attention the recent disruptions and unruly behaviour of certain MPs during the JPC meeting of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on October 14. While Anwar Manippadi was speaking about the alleged encroachment, opposition members threatened the witness and chairperson, disrespected parliamentary decorum, and even tore committee papers. I urge the Speaker to initiate disciplinary action against all those Members who indulged in such unacceptable conduct.”
Asaduddin Owaisi’s Criticism of the Waqf Bill
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has been vocal in his criticism of the bill. He suggested that it aims to undermine the Waqf board’s authority. Owaisi stated, “This bill was presented to finish the Waqf board. False propaganda is being spread by BJP-RSS that Waqf is a government property instead of private property. Just like in Hinduism, properties are donated; similarly, in Islam, these are donated properties. Why is the government interfering? This is a violation of Article 26.”
He also questioned the bill’s definition of a “practicing Muslim,” asking, “Who are they to decide? No such law exists in Hinduism. Any Waqf property with the government will have decisions made by the Collector. How can a collector, who is an executive, be a judge here?”
Opposition to the Waqf Bill by Congress and Others
Congress MP KC Venugopal voiced strong opposition to the bill during its introduction. He claimed it violates religious freedoms and undermines India’s federal structure. Venugopal described the legislation as “a draconian law and a fundamental attack on the Constitution.”
Akhilesh Yadav, President of the Samajwadi Party, also criticized the amendments. He alleged that they serve as a guise for the BJP to sell off Waqf Board lands. In a social media post, Yadav stated, “All these amendments to the ‘Waqf Board’ are just an excuse; selling lands like defense, railway, and Nazul land is the target. BJP is working like a real estate company. It should change its name to include ‘Zameen’ instead of ‘Janta’ due to its focus on land deals.”
Kerala Assembly’s Resolution and BJP’s Response
Recently, the Kerala assembly passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This prompted a response from BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, who criticized the Left and Congress parties. He stated, “They talk about the Constitution but have little faith in it. Can they have any jurisdiction to pass a resolution on matters being dealt with by the center, especially something that is now being put in the JPC for discussion?”
The Future of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024
As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 moves through parliamentary channels, its future remains uncertain amid the fierce BJP vs INDIA Alliance tussle. The JPC’s report will soon be presented to the Lok Sabha. The debates will likely intensify, reflecting broader concerns about land management, community rights, and the sanctity of religious properties.
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