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The Waqf Amendment Bill has become a focal point of political discourse in India, particularly concerning its implications for Muslim rights and the management of Waqf properties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in India, has strongly defended the bill, asserting that it is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of Waqf properties, rather than to infringe upon the rights of the Muslim community. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and other BJP Members of Parliament, including Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda, have been vocal in their defense, countering opposition claims that the bill is unconstitutional or detrimental to Muslims. Their arguments center on the premise that the bill aims to rectify existing inefficiencies and irregularities in the management of Waqf properties, ensuring that these properties are utilized effectively for the benefit of the Muslim community. The BJP's stance underscores its commitment to inclusive governance and equitable development, even while navigating complex socio-political issues related to religious minorities.
Rijiju initiated the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, directly addressing and dismissing the opposition's assertions that the bill violates constitutional principles. He emphasized that the management and creation of Waqf properties would remain under Muslim control, with Muslims as the primary beneficiaries. He explicitly stated that non-Muslims would not be involved in these matters, reinforcing the idea that the bill is not intended to undermine Muslim autonomy in the administration of Waqf assets. This assurance is crucial in alleviating concerns within the Muslim community, who may fear that the bill could lead to external interference in their religious and charitable affairs. Rijiju's focus on transparency, accountability, and efficiency seeks to dispel any notions of malicious intent, positioning the bill as a necessary measure to modernize and improve the management of Waqf properties. By highlighting these objectives, the BJP aims to build trust and garner support for the bill, even among those who initially harbor reservations.
J.P. Nadda further elaborated on the BJP's rationale for introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill, characterizing the existing law as "draconian and overpowering." He argued that the previous legislation had become excessively burdensome and restrictive, potentially undermining the very spirit of the Constitution. Nadda raised the question of whether Waqf properties were being managed effectively and whether Waqf Boards were adequately accountable to Muslim women and children. By posing these questions, he implicitly criticized the existing system and suggested that the amendment bill is necessary to address these shortcomings. He urged political actors to transcend partisan considerations and focus on the broader interests of the Muslim community. On the specific issue of donor eligibility, Nadda acknowledged the importance of ensuring that donors are genuinely practicing Muslims, suggesting that certification from a Maulvi would suffice as proof. This approach reflects a pragmatic attempt to balance religious considerations with the need to verify the authenticity of donors.
Nadda also raised concerns about the expansion of Waqf properties, alleging that the Waqf Board had claimed numerous government properties as its own. He cited data from September 2024 indicating that 5,970 government properties in 25 states and union territories had been declared as Waqf property. Furthermore, he noted that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had flagged irregularities in the functioning of Waqf in 2018. These allegations serve to underscore the BJP's argument that the current system is prone to abuse and requires significant reform. By highlighting specific instances of alleged mismanagement and irregularities, the BJP aims to justify the need for stricter oversight and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties. Nadda also addressed the opposition's criticism that the BJP had supported the 2013 Waqf Amendment Act but was now seeking to change it. He explained that the decision to amend the law was prompted by the rapid expansion of Waqf properties after 2013, suggesting that this expansion warranted a review of the existing legal framework. He reassured the public that the government was not seeking to confiscate Waqf properties but rather to prevent their misuse.
Nadda emphasized the Modi government's commitment to inclusive development, asserting that government schemes reach all segments of society equally, regardless of religion or caste. He claimed that 35% of government schemes have benefited Muslims, challenging the opposition's narrative that the BJP is anti-Muslim. He rhetorically questioned who had kept Muslims away from progress for the past 70 years, implying that previous governments had failed to adequately address the needs of the Muslim community. This line of argument suggests that the BJP is actively working to uplift Muslims and integrate them into the mainstream of Indian society. Nadda contrasted the BJP's approach with what he characterized as "lip service" from previous governments, suggesting that the BJP is genuinely committed to serving the interests of Muslims.
To further bolster his argument, Nadda drew comparisons with other Muslim-majority countries, such as Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Indonesia, which have implemented reforms to modernize and improve the management of Waqf properties. He noted that Turkey had brought all Waqf properties under government control in 1924 and had implemented digital records in the late 1980s to prevent misuse. He also pointed out that these countries had begun using Waqf income for education and health. By citing these examples, Nadda sought to demonstrate that the proposed reforms are not unprecedented and that other Muslim-majority countries have successfully implemented similar measures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Waqf administration. He questioned why India should not follow suit, implying that the opposition's resistance to the Waqf Amendment Bill is unwarranted.
Rijiju responded to allegations that the bill was framed without sufficient consultations by stating that the Ministry had engaged with various stakeholders, including state governments, Waqf Boards, and religious organizations, before forming the Joint Committee of Parliament. He added that the House committee had conducted extensive work on the bill, suggesting that the legislative process had been thorough and inclusive. This rebuttal seeks to address concerns that the bill was rushed through without adequate consideration of the views of affected parties. By emphasizing the extensive consultations and deliberations that preceded the bill's introduction, the BJP aims to legitimize the legislative process and build support for the bill.
BJP's Radha Mohan Das Agrawal lauded the bill as "revolutionary," claiming that it would benefit poor Muslims. He contrasted the BJP's efforts to reform Muslim society with the historical efforts of Hindus to improve their own society, such as banning Sati and child marriages and permitting widow remarriage. He argued that previous governments had failed to undertake similar reforms to help poor Muslims. Agrawal attributed the current efforts to the leadership of Narendra Modi, suggesting that Modi is the first leader to genuinely address the needs of the Muslim community. He stated that Modi wants the country to be developed by 2047 and that this goal cannot be achieved if Muslims remain backward. Agrawal called on Muslim organizations to play a role in helping Muslims progress. He also alleged that Waqf Boards functioned as "land mafia" and captured lands. He cited data indicating that a significant percentage of Waqf properties in Uttar Pradesh and Telangana were encroachments on government land. He questioned how Waqf land had grown so dramatically from 2006 to 2023, suggesting that this growth was indicative of illegal activities.
Source: Won’t snatch Muslim rights, Bill ensures efficiency: BJP