Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 31: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday reiterated his party’s opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that most political parties in the country are also against it. He declared that the SP would strongly oppose the bill in Parliament.
Speaking on the BJP-led government’s policies, Yadav criticized their decisions, stating that they have failed to benefit the public. He pointed out the removal of reservations for Anglo-Indians and the implementation of GST, which he claimed has increased corruption rather than improving business efficiency.
“There are many legislations that have affected the public. For example, you can’t buy land in the neighboring state (Uttarakhand), which was once part of Uttar Pradesh,” Yadav added.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Alphons KJ defended the bill, calling it a “very rational” reform. He criticized the historical implementation of the Waqf Act, arguing that it has benefited only a select few and has been “communal in its implications.” He referenced the Munambam case, where individuals purchased land that was later claimed by the Waqf Board, to justify the necessity of the amendments.
In contrast, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat denounced the bill, calling it “anti-constitutional” and “unfair to the minority community.” She argued that the way the government is pushing the bill in Parliament is detrimental to democracy.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the opposition to the bill, stating that those against it are “powerful people” who are misleading the public. He emphasized that while criticism of the bill is welcome, it should be “substantial” and based on facts.”
Additionally, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has urged MPs to support the bill, claiming that the existing provisions allow “illegal claims” on land and that amendments are necessary to resolve these disputes. The KCBC stated that over 610 families in Munambam, Kerala, have been protesting against the Waqf Board’s claims on their land.
As debates over the Waqf Amendment Bill intensify, the issue has become a focal point of political contention, with strong support and opposition from different parties and organizations.