Controversy Ignites Over Introduction of Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has sparked significant opposition. Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor and Mallu Ravi criticized the bill as unconstitutional and against Muslim minority rights. Kiren Rijiju agreed to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny.

After the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday termed it as 'unconstitutional' and said many people oppose its introduction. He added that discussions should occur in the JPC before commenting further on the bill.

Congress MP Mallu Ravi expressed that the bill is 'totally unacceptable' due to the alleged 'wrong' intentions of the government. He claimed the bill aims to undermine Muslim minority rights and the Waqf committees by including non-Muslims in the committees, questioning their ability to deliver justice on religious matters. He emphasized that the intention is to hand over Waqf land, and pledged to argue against non-Muslim inclusion in the JPC.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to address issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration, and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill, agreed to refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed discussion, following strong opposition from multiple parties, including Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress, and AIMIM.