Patna (Bihar) [India], April 2: The Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, triggering mixed reactions from opposition parties and BJP ally Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)).
JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha expressed concerns over the bill’s retrospective nature, stating that his party would support it only if their concerns were addressed. JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Prasad further clarified that most of JD(U)’s suggestions from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meetings have reportedly been included, and the party has issued a whip to its MPs to vote in favor of the government. He also asserted that JD(U) and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar do not need lessons on secularism from Congress.
On the other hand, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha strongly opposed the bill, calling it unconstitutional. He likened the situation to the controversial farm laws, cautioning that rushing the bill without consensus could lead to similar backlash and eventual withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the opposition’s stance, calling them “anti-Muslim” for opposing a bill that he claimed is in the interest of Muslims and the poor.
The bill will be tabled after the Question Hour for consideration and passing, followed by an 8-hour discussion. Originally presented in the Lok Sabha in August last year, it was sent for review to a JPC led by Jagdambika Pal.
The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to address issues in the management and regulation of Waqf properties by amending the Waqf Act of 1995. It proposes renaming the Act, updating waqf definitions, improving registration procedures, and incorporating technology to enhance record management. Critics argue that the original Act has long been plagued by issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and illegal encroachments.