Waqf Amendment Bill Sparks Political Debate

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi endorses the Waqf Amendment Bill, terming it a move from 'constitutional hierarchy over unconstitutional anarchy.' Introduced by Kiren Rijiju, the bill faces opposition citing federalism concerns.

Former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday praised the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating it would establish 'constitutional hierarchy over unconstitutional anarchy.' Addressing queries about the bill introduced in Parliament, Naqvi, a senior BJP leader, described it as a constructive step toward resolving a long-standing issue.

Naqvi, who has previously served as Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, cautioned against attempts to create 'communal confusion on constitutional correction.' He urged critics to avoid spreading fear and falsehoods, arguing that the bill aims to bring transparency and accountability to the Waqf system, freeing it from narrow-minded interests.

Introduced in Lok Sabha by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to address issues related to the State Waqf Boards' powers, property registration, and removal of encroachments. However, opposition parties, including Congress and DMK, opposed the bill, citing federalism concerns. Rijiju agreed to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)