Waqf Amendment Bill: Supriya Sule Draws Comparison With The Situation In Bangladesh

Union Minority Minister Kiren Rijiju on August 8, introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, and seeks to address concerns regarding the authority of State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments more effectively.

NCP leader Supriya Sule spoke in Parliament, saying, “Look at what is happening in Bangladesh. There is so much pain there, and we are all very concerned. Minorities must be protected in every country because they are fewer in number. The government needs to clarify its intentions. Why is this bill being introduced now? We object to this bill and request that it be withdrawn.”

Assault on Religious Freedom

Shortly after the Minister introduced the bill, Congress MP KC Venugopal criticized it as an assault on religious freedom. Venugopal stated that the bill represents a fundamental attack on the Constitution. “This bill includes a provision allowing non-Muslims to join the Waqf governing council. It is a direct infringement on religious freedom. Next, you will target Christians and Jains. The people of India will not accept this kind of divisive politics.”

Violates Article 30

DMK MP Kanimozhi opposed the bill, stating that it directly violates Article 30, which ensures that minorities have the right to manage their institutions. She argued that the bill specifically targets a particular religious group.