Karnataka CM Criticizes NDA's Proposed Waqf Law Amendments

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the NDA government for proposing amendments to the Waqf Act, suggesting the changes were anti-minority. The bill seeks to rename and overhaul the act, including representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims. Critics argue the bill undermines minority rights and secularism.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized the NDA government's initiative to amend the law that governs Waqf boards, claiming the move is anti-minority. The proposed amendments include renaming the Waqf Act of 1995 to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. Siddaramaiah stated, "The NDA government is totally against the minorities in this country; they are not for secularism, they are not for social justice."

The Bill, circulated among Lok Sabha members on Tuesday night, seeks to make significant changes to the existing act. Among the proposed amendments are measures to ensure the representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf boards. Additionally, the Bill aims to establish a separate board for the Bohras and Aghakhanis.

According to the Bill's statement of objects and reasons, it aims to provide a more inclusive composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards. Critics, however, argue that the proposed legislation undermines the rights of minorities and disrupts the principles of secularism and social justice in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)