Shiv Sena MP Defends Waqf (Amendment) Bill Amid Opposition Protests

Amid strong opposition in Parliament, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, asserting it will enhance transparency and accountability for waqf properties. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill, which aims to reform various aspects of the Waqf Act, 1995.

In the face of fierce opposition in Parliament, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Thursday steadfastly defended the newly introduced Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Shinde argued that the bill is designed to promote transparency and accountability in the management of waqf properties.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju proposed the bill, which aims to revise the Waqf Act of 1995. The legislation seeks to address the powers of State Waqf Boards, streamline the registration and survey of waqf properties, and tackle issues like encroachments.

Opposition parties criticized the bill, but Shinde maintained that it prioritizes the minority Muslim community's welfare. He emphasized that the bill would not only clarify the definition of waqf but also protect women's inheritance rights, among other reforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)