The Waqf Act, Amendment Bill, 2024 was presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, after which an uproar was staged by the Congress party.
This new bill will avenge the Waqf Act of 1995 and shall repeal the Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923.
Congress leader KC Venugopal termed it a threat to the Constitution and expressed serious objections to the Bill.
"This Bill is an absolute invasion of our constitutional concepts," said Venugopal. He assailed the Bill on grounds of alleged violation of Article 26 of the Constitution that protected the right to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes, manage religious affairs, and administer property in accordance with the law.
He particularly criticized the provision in the Bill that makes a non-Muslim eligible to be a part of the governing council, saying it is like a non-Hindu being an Ayodhya Board member in the apex court—nothing but a direct attack on religious beliefs and freedom.
He further added his apprehensions about what might happen in the future regarding other religious communities: "If the government is targeting Muslims now, Christians and Jains might be next.
He also brought to the foreground the intrinsic ideals of Indian tradition and culture: "Our tradition respects all faiths; though we are Hindus and believers, we also respect religious beliefs of others."
Terming the Bill a political move, Mr. Venugopal said, "This Bill is prepared with the elections in Maharashtra and Haryana in mind. The public's response to such divisive politics will be clear. This move undermines our federal system.
He accused the government of making people fight with one another and pitting them against each other; "The intention behind this Bill is to sow division and stir unrest between communities. It is unacceptable and must not be allowed to pass—or even to be introduced.".
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