Amid the ongoing legislative assembly session in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposed by the central government. Calling it “completely unconstitutional,” Yadav accused the central government of conspiring to spread hatred and criticized the Bihar Assembly Speaker for denying a discussion on the matter.
“Today everyone, including us (Rashtriya Janata Dal) and the left parties, raised the issue related to the Waqf board, but the Speaker didn’t give us time to talk on this issue and adjourned (the assembly session). This is a conspiracy by the central government to spread hatred in the country. The bill is completely unconstitutional. We opposed it in Parliament and the Bihar legislative assembly and will also do so on the streets. We will not let this bill pass under any circumstances,” Yadav stated.
Opposition to Divisive Politics
Highlighting their stance against communal politics, Tejashwi Yadav accused the central government of attempting to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
“Although this matter is with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), we are presenting our views strongly. However, the government only has one agenda: to spread hatred between Hindus and Muslims. The beauty of this country is its diversity. We are against the politics of hatred,” Yadav asserted.
Broader Opposition to the Bill
Earlier, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a “grave violation of Article 26 of the Constitution.” Owaisi raised concerns about the bill granting excessive powers to district collectors and including non-Muslim members in Waqf boards, questioning the government’s intentions.
“This law hasn’t been made, and see what has happened in Sambhal… This bill violates Article 26. This is a grave violation of the Constitution. This bill gives immense power to the collector to decide if a property will be Waqf property or not. Additionally, on what basis are they making a non-Muslim a member?” Owaisi said.
BJP’s Defense of the Bill
Meanwhile, BJP leader V. Muraleedharan criticized opposition parties, accusing the Congress and Communist parties of hypocrisy.
“The Congress and Communist parties are playing a double game on the issue of the Waqf Amendment Bill. In Kerala and Cochin, where the Christian and fisherman communities are protesting for their property rights, Congress and CPM support them locally. But when they go to Delhi, they oppose the rightful authority of the people holding their property,” Muraleedharan stated.
Controversy Continues
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has triggered widespread debate, with opposition parties raising concerns over its implications on constitutional rights, while the ruling BJP defends the legislation as necessary for property-related reforms.