Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, along with other party MPs, attended the meeting of Congress Lok Sabha members on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Parliament House Annexe in Delhi.
Notably, the meeting was convened ahead of the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, which Congress and other parties in the INDIA alliance have expressed opposition to. The meeting also addressed various ongoing issues, including the Bangladesh crisis, China-related concerns, and Supreme Court judgments.
Rahul Gandhi was seen arriving with Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Manickram Tagore, and others.
Speaking with ANI, Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, said, “Today we had a meeting of Lok Sabha members of the party, with the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi present. We discussed various issues—such as the situation in Bangladesh, concerns regarding China, Supreme Court judgments, and today’s parliamentary business. It was a positive discussion, and he encouraged us all to raise the issues affecting the people. Different parties have opposed the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the House. When it is brought to the floor, we will clearly state our position on why we oppose the bill.”
Earlier in the day, ahead of the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala criticized the opposition, accusing INDI alliance leaders of opposing the pro-transparency and pro-good-governance bill. Poonawala claimed that the opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill indicates that these leaders are not supportive of Muslim interests but rather of land grabbers.
In response, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the BJP-led NDA government, alleging that the amendments to the Waqf Act are an attempt to sell Waqf Board lands. Yadav suggested that the BJP should change its name to include “Zameen” (land) instead of “Janata” (people) and demanded a “written guarantee” that Waqf Board lands would not be sold.
Congress Lok Sabha MP KC Venugopal submitted a notice to oppose the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP Hibi Eden also gave notice to oppose the bill. The Samajwadi Party has also announced its opposition to the Waqf Bill in Parliament.
The BJP-led government plans to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. The bill aims to “effectively address issues” related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of Waqf properties, and the removal of encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is scheduled for introduction by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha.
In addition to 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” as a waqf by any person practicing Islam for at least five years and having ownership of such property, and to ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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