Congress MP from Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Karti Chidambaram admitted on Tuesday that reforms are needed in the Waqf Board, but questioned the intentions of the Central government behind the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. He alleged that the government aims to interfere in religious practices, particularly of the Muslim community.
Speaking to media, Karti Chidambaram stated:
“While I do not deny that some sort of reform is needed in the way in which the Waqf properties are managed, I don’t think the intentions of the government are honest. They want to interfere in the religious practices, particularly of a minority community. And this is only an extension of that agenda.”
The Congress MP further emphasized that any changes to the Waqf Board must be made through consensus with the Muslim community:
“Whatever change has to be brought should be brought with consensus from the community which is going to be most affected by it.”
Government’s Stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill
Jagadambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, dismissed concerns, stating that the amendments are being made for greater transparency and governance in managing Waqf properties.
“If this government is making amendments to the Waqf, then it is for good only. No religious freedom is being taken away. Waqf Board is a statutory body, not a religious body,” Pal told media.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to bring reforms such as:
✅ Digitisation of records
✅ Enhanced audits and transparency
✅ Legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied Waqf properties
However, the AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the bill, calling it unconstitutional and alleging that it is an attempt by the government to take control of Muslim properties, including mosques.
The bill continues to be a hot topic of debate, with the government defending it as a necessary reform, while opposition leaders question the intent behind the changes.