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Waqf Bill: The amended Waqf Bill, which was referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) in August 2024, is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Parliament Budget Session 2025 Live: Muslims display a placard as they stage a protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill. (PTI photo)
Waqf Row: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Tuesday appealed to all “secular” political parties, including BJP’s allies and Parliamentarians to strongly oppose the “Waqf Amendment Bill”, which is scheduled to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2.
“All India Muslim Personal Law Board has appealed to all secular political parties, including BJP’s allies and members of Parliament, to strongly oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill and to not vote in its favour under any circumstances,” the AIMPLB said in a statement shared on X.
Do Not Support the Waqf Amendment Bill –All India Muslim Personal Law Board President Appeals to MP’sNew Delhi : April 01, 2025
All India Muslim Personal Law Board has appealed to all secular political parties, including BJP’s allies and members of Parliament, to strongly… pic.twitter.com/Xya9FxBh4B
— All India Muslim Personal Law Board (@AIMPLB_Official) April 1, 2025
The amended Waqf Bill, which was referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) in August 2024, is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Sources told CNN-News18 that lawmakers will debate the bill for a total of eight hours, with 4.40 hours allocated to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and 3.20 hours to the opposition.
The President of the Islamic Body, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, in the statement, has appealed to the legislators to not only oppose the bill but also to vote against it to prevent the BJP’s communal agenda.
He further said that the bill is not only based on discrimination and injustice, but also directly contradicts the provisions of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.
“Through this bill, the BJP aims to weaken Waqf laws and pave the way for the seizure and destruction of Waqf properties. Even with the existence of the Places of Worship Act, the issue of searching for temples in every mosque is continuously escalating,” the statement added.
“If this amendment is passed, there will be a surge in illegitimate governmental and non-governmental claims on Waqf properties, making it easier for Collectors and District Magistrates to seize them,” it added.
Rahmani further said that India is globally recognised for its Hindu-Muslim brotherhood and mutual respect for religions, customs, and festivals. “However, unfortunately, the power of the nation is currently in the hands of those who seek to destroy this atmosphere of communal harmony and create anarchy and chaos,” the statement further stated.
Waqf Bill To Be Tabled In Lok Sabha Tomorrow
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will move a motion to introduce the bill with the revised amendments. Following the debate, Rijiju will respond to the discussion and seek the House’s approval for the bill’s passage.
While the opposition has decided to unanimously oppose the bill, BJP allies, including Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (U), and LJP (Ram Vilas), among others, have expressed their strong support for the government, backing the passage of the Waqf Bill.
At the business advisory committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday, the opposition sought 12 hours for discussion. However, the government insisted on less time so that other legislative business could also be taken up. This led to a heated exchange in the meeting between the government and opposition side, leading to a walkout by the opposition.
What Is The Bill About
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, were introduced in the Lok Sabha last year with an aim to streamline the Waqf Board’s work and ensure the efficient management of Waqf properties.
The objective of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, is to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to redress the issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. The Amendment Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards by introducing changes such as renaming the Act, updating the definitions of waqf, improving the registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records.