Waqf Bill Submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Despite Storm of Criticism: Is it a Step Toward Religious Control?

New Delhi: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Management and Maintenance) Bill, headed by BJP Member of Parliament Jagdambika Pal, has submitted its final report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

The report, which includes the amended bill, was approved by the committee despite strong opposition from various political leaders. Opposition members expressed their dissatisfaction with the report, with some accusing the government of attempting to undermine the interests of the Muslim community.

Key Amendments and Opposition Criticism

The Waqf (Management and Maintenance) Bill aims to reform the management of Waqf properties in India. Jagdambika Pal, the JPC chairman, confirmed that the report was passed with the inclusion of a new clause that mandates the benefits of Waqf properties be directed towards the underprivileged, including women, orphans, and the poor.

Pal stated, “We had 44 clauses, out of which 14 were amended based on the suggestions of committee members. These amendments were passed with a majority vote.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that Waqf assets are utilized for the welfare of marginalized groups.

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However, the bill has faced severe criticism, particularly from opposition leaders. BJP Member of Parliament Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agarwal criticized the opposition, saying, “Opposition’s resistance to the government is embedded in their DNA.” Meanwhile, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya explained that the government’s goal is to bring transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties.

Opposition Leaders’ Strong Response

Prominent opposition leaders, including All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, strongly opposed the bill. Owaisi stated that he would oppose the bill when it is presented for debate in the upcoming Budget session of Parliament. “We were given a 655-page draft of the report last night, and it is impossible to read such a lengthy document in such a short period,” he remarked.

Owaisi further claimed that the bill does not serve the interests of Muslims and argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has introduced the bill with the intent of targeting Muslim religious properties. “The real aim of this bill is to damage the Waqf Boards and seize control of mosques,” Owaisi said.

Political Implications and Future Developments

The passage of the Waqf (Management and Maintenance) Bill comes at a critical juncture, with significant political maneuvering expected in the coming weeks. As the Budget session of Parliament approaches, which will begin on January 31 and continue until April 4, all eyes are now on political parties such as Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (JD). These parties, which have traditionally portrayed themselves as sympathetic to the Muslim cause, are being closely watched to see whether they will align with the BJP or oppose the bill in favor of the Muslim community.

The central government plans to present the bill during the Budget session, alongside the Union Budget for 2025, set to be presented on February 1.

The debate over the bill is likely to intensify, and the stance of key political parties will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this legislation.