Opposition Protests Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Claims of Constitutional Attack

The Opposition on Thursday opposed the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, labeling it as an assault on the Constitution and a move targeting Muslims ahead of upcoming elections. Despite demands for withdrawal or extensive review, the bill was sent to a joint parliamentary committee for further examination.

In a heated Lok Sabha session on Thursday, the Opposition vociferously protested the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, citing it as an attack on the Constitution designed to target Muslim communities ahead of imminent assembly elections.

Amid accusations of undermining religious freedom and federal principles, the bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee for detailed consideration. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, asserting it does not intend to interfere with mosque operations.

Top opposition leaders, including Congress MP K C Venugopal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the bill as politically motivated, divisive, and anti-constitutional, calling for its withdrawal or a comprehensive review by a parliamentary panel.