Government Withdraws Controversial Waqf Properties Bill Amidst Opposition

The Indian government has withdrawn the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill 2014. Opposition members in Rajya Sabha accused the government of deliberate delays and suspect intentions. They alleged the new bill aims to encroach upon Waqf properties and polarize society. Minister Kiren Rijiju managed the withdrawal, approved by voice vote.

The Indian government withdrew the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill 2014 from Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The bill, initially introduced on February 18, 2014, faced stiff opposition from members of the upper house.

Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju sought permission to withdraw the bill, which was subsequently approved by a voice vote. Opposition members, including CPI (M) MP John Brittas and IUML MP Abdul Wahab, voiced strong objections.

Brittas argued that the bill's objectives were crucial and claimed that withdrawing it was a ploy to introduce another bill aimed at encroaching upon Waqf properties. He accused the government of attempting to polarize society. Wahab echoed these sentiments, urging the government to maintain the social fabric of the country.