Controversy Arises Over Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 Amidst Claims of Religious Division

Shia cleric Maulana Jawad criticizes the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, accusing it of aiming to please Hindus at Muslims' expense. He asserts that such policies cannot disrupt harmony between the communities. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board plans a protest to oppose the bill's potential to incite division.

Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad on Tuesday expressed strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, accusing the Central government of attempting to appease Hindus by disadvantaging Muslims. He argued that this strategy will not succeed in breaking the bond between the two communities.

Maulana Jawad emphasized that Waqf properties are public contributions for societal benefit, rather than private assets of the Waqf Board, likening the board to a custodian rather than an owner. He questioned why valuable temple treasures are not utilized to aid the impoverished, accusing the government of double standards.

Simultaneously, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced plans for a protest at Delhi's Janta Mantar on March 17, claiming that the bill fosters division and discord. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to address previous criticisms of mismanagement by implementing reforms such as digitisation and improved transparency.