Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has confirmed that the bill will be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, reiterating that it would hugely benefit the Muslim community.
He also accused the Opposition of trying to mislead the people with unfounded arguments against the implications of the bill.
During an interview with IANS, Pal said, "We have worked day and night for the last six months to prepare a detailed report on this bill. The Opposition has leveled some charges, that this is a political game before the Bihar Assembly elections. But these charges are baseless, and the bill will be passed today."
Emphasizing the benefits of the bill, he said, "This bill will provide benefits to the downtrodden, including the Pasmanda Muslim community and other segments of society that have been denied these rights. Earlier, we heard many instances of Waqf properties being illegally sold, although such properties cannot be sold legally. These illegal sales were made by caretakers for personal benefits."
Pal also condemned the earlier amendments done during the Congress-led UPA government, stating that they gave undue authority to the Waqf Board so it could claim buildings as its own. Pal claimed that these changes went against constitutional provisions such as Articles 14, 19, 21, and 300A.
"Today we are correcting those wrongs. This bill is in accordance with the Constitution," Pal declared.
In a dig at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, for taking a stand against the bill, Pal observed, "Does Rahul Gandhi even know what is constitutional and what is unconstitutional? Let him read the bill before terming it as unconstitutional. As Kiren Rijiju has promised to answer every question, why doesn't he join the discussion rather than using unsubstantiated arguments?"
Reiterating the government's resolve for inclusive development further, Pal stated, "The Prime Minister's Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas vision is seen in different welfare programs. Whether it is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the ₹6,000 cash under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, or the Saugat-e-Modi scheme on Eid, Muslim communities have also gained. The Opposition is just trying to make unnecessary distinctions."
