The Narendra Modi government presented the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (August 8). While the opposition has criticized the bill as being anti-Muslim, leaders from the ruling party have defended it, emphasizing its necessity.
Among the supporters, Shiv Sena MP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, explained the reasons behind the need for this bill.
Why The Bill Was Necessary?
He said, “I stand here to support this bill on behalf of my Shiv Sena party. This bill is being politicized, but I believe that when there is one law for the entire country, why is there a need for a separate law?
The purpose of bringing this bill is clear: transparency and accountability. The way misinformation was spread in the name of the Constitution across the country, today the opposition parties are doing the same thing again. I would like to remind them that when they were in power, they placed administrators in the temples of Maharashtra, whether it was Shirdi or Mahalaxmi. Back then, they didn’t remember secularism.
But today, when there is one law for the entire country, why is there a need for a different law? I want to remind everyone that this bill provides representation for Muslim women. I also want to remind you that when this house gave justice to Shah Bano, it was they who took away that justice. And today, they are talking about giving full authority to the collector. When Article 370 was removed from Kashmir, they opposed it. When triple talaq was abolished, they opposed it. And today, they are doing the same thing.
When Congress was in power, they placed all temples under administrative control. Today, they’re advocating for no control over the Waqf Board?
Do you want only Hindus to obey law & different laws for Muslims? – SS MP @DrSEShinde destroyed INDI alliance’s propaganda in one go👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bJX65Lsut6— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) August 8, 2024
Why was this bill necessary? The Waqf is the third-largest landholder in the country. There are more than 85,000 cases related to Waqf pending across the nation. I think they don’t want any good development on Waqf lands—no good schools, hospitals, or colleges. They are opposing this only to appease their vote bank and a particular community.”
Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill: Supriya Sule Draws Comparison With The Situation In Bangladesh
