Waqf Amendment Bill: Live Updates as Parliament Stalls, BJP vs Congress in High-Stakes Showdown

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in the Lok Sabha sparked a heated debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with opposition parties criticizing the legislation for allegedly targeting Muslims. Shah dismissed the criticism, insisting that the government has no intention of interfering with Muslims’ religious matters. The bill, tabled by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, aims to revamp the existing Waqf laws, but its provisions have been met with widespread opposition.

The bill’s most contentious aspects involve allowing a non-Muslim to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Waqf board, and making provisions for non-Muslim members to be appointed to state-level Waqf boards. These measures, Shah argued, are intended to ensure transparency and streamline the management of Waqf properties. He also pushed back against allegations that the government is attempting to dilute the Constitution and disenfranchise minority communities. “This Bill is not intended to interfere in any religious practice or the management of any mosque,” Shah emphasized.

The opposition, however, remains unconvinced. Deputy Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi lambasted the bill, calling it an “attack on the basic structure of the Constitution.” He lamented the government’s track record, citing recent instances of restrictions on Muslim prayers on the streets. “How many minority MPs do you have?” Gogoi retorted. The controversy has left the opposition in a combative mood, as the government faces criticism from all sides.

Despite the controversy, sources within the government insist that the bill is designed to modernize the management of Waqf properties, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. Shah reiterated that the government has no intention of allowing non-Muslims to hold key positions in the Waqf board, and that there will be no interference in Muslims’ religious matters. “They are opposing this to appease their vote banks,” he declared, as the Lok Sabha session continued, with the opposition refusing to back down.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/waqf-amendment-bill-live-updates-parliament-lok-sabha-rajya-sabha-9919305/
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Publish Date: 2025-04-02 23:05:00