Congress MP KC Venugopal Slams Waqf Bill As Attack On Constitution And Federalism

Launching a blistering attack on the Union government over the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, Congress MP KC Venugopal called the move an attack on the country’s federal system. Venugopal, who represents Kerala’s Alappuzha constituency, said while addressing the lower house, “We as Hindus respect the faith of other religions, but this bill is a fundamental attack on the Constitution. Through this Bill, the Centre is trying to undermine freedom of religion. The people of this country will not accept this ‘divisive politics.'”

“We are Hindus, but we respect the faith of other religions. This bill is tailored for the Maharashtra and Haryana elections. You fail to understand that the people of India clearly taught you a lesson last time. This is an attack on the federal system,” Venugopal continued. “This bill is a fundamental attack on the Constitution. It includes a provision that allows non-Muslims to be members of the Waqf governing council. It is a direct attack on freedom of religion… Next, you will go after Christians and then Jains… The people of India will not support this kind of divisive politics.”

Meanwhile, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi responded to the opposition’s criticism of the Bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. Joshi claimed that the opposition aims to mislead some community members and tarnish India’s image. “We are not targeting anyone. The opposition wants to create a negative atmosphere. Our minister will explain in detail when he introduces the bill. They are attempting to mislead some people in the community and tarnish India’s image. We are one of the best democracies in the world,” Joshi said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the BJP-led NDA government over the Waqf Act Amendment Bill, accusing it of using amendments as a cover to sell Waqf Board lands. On X, Yadav wrote, “All these amendments to the ‘Waqf Board’ are just an excuse; selling lands like those of the defense, railway, and Nazul is the real target.”

Yadav alleged that the amendments in the Waqf Bill serve the interests of the BJP and are part of a broader pattern of schemes benefiting the BJP. He added, “Waqf Board lands are just another link in the chain of ‘schemes for the benefit of BJP’ after defense land, railway land, and Nazul land. Why doesn’t BJP openly state: ‘Issued in the interest of BJP’?”

Yadav further demanded a “written guarantee” that Waqf Board lands will not be sold, stating, “A written guarantee should be given that the Waqf Board’s lands will not be sold.”

Continuing his attack, Yadav suggested that the Bharatiya Janata Party should add ‘Zameen’ to its name instead of ‘Janata,’ as they are acting like a real estate company. “BJP is working like a real estate company. It should change its name to ‘Bhartiya Zameen Party,'” Yadav said, using the hashtag #nhiiN_caahie_bhaajpaa.

The BJP-led government is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The bill aims to address issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.

Apart from introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Kiren Rijiju will also introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995 as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It aims to clearly define “waqf” and ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.

The bill also seeks to omit provisions related to “waqf by user,” transfer the functions of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or another officer not below the rank of Deputy Collector, provide for a broad-based composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards with representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims, and establish a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis. It includes provisions for streamlining the registration of waqfs through a central portal, ensuring detailed procedures for property mutations, and reforming the Tribunal structure. The bill also proposes appeals against Tribunal orders to the High Court within ninety days.

(With ANI Inputs)

Also Read: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Defends Waqf Amendment Bill Against INDIA Bloc Criticism