BJP Allies Debate Waqf Amendment Bill Amidst Opposition Criticism

BJP allies showed mixed reactions to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. While Shiv Sena and JD(U) supported it, others like the TDP sought further scrutiny. Opposition parties opposed the Bill, fearing it is anti-Muslim. The Bill aims to bring transparency and representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in waqf boards.

BJP allies have shown mixed reactions to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha. While Shiv Sena and JD(U) have supported the Bill, the TDP suggested it be sent to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny. The LJP (Ram Vilas) voiced its general support but opted not to speak in the House.

Union minister Chirag Paswan emphasized that the Bill aims to bring transparency in the Waqf Board and dismissed opposition claims of it being anti-Muslim. Despite earlier internal recommendations for more scrutiny, the Bill is now sent to a joint parliamentary committee, as decided by the House.

The YSR Congress Party notably opposed the Bill, with its member P V Midhun Reddy reflecting the concerns of AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi. BJP's Lalan Singh and Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde vouched for the Bill, stressing transparency and slamming opposition criticism.

The amendment proposes renaming the existing Wakf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995, with inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in the boards.