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NATION POLITICS

Waqf Amendment Bill: Top Reasons Why AIMPLB, Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi Are Opposing it, Check BJP's Position

The Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked a major political clash. While BJP and its allies back it, AIMPLB, Congress, and Asaduddin Owaisi oppose it, citing threats to Waqf properties and religious freedom.

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Waqf Amendment Bill

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The Waqf Amendment Bill has ignited a heated debate in political and social circles. While the BJP-led NDA government supports the bill, the opposition, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Congress, and Asaduddin Owaisi, has strongly opposed it. The bill is being positioned as a reform for the Waqf system, but its critics argue that it undermines the rights of the Muslim community. Here’s a look at the key arguments from both sides.

Why Are AIMPLB, Congress, and Asaduddin Owaisi Opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill?

The AIMPLB has urged all secular parties to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it discriminatory and a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. The board argues that the bill will weaken Waqf laws and open the door to illegal claims on Waqf properties by both government and private entities.

Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of AIMIM, has also voiced strong opposition, stating, "I can say that we will participate in debate, move the amendment, we will tell how this Bill is unconstitutional, how it is against Muslim's freedom of religion, how it keeps Muslims devoid of charitable practices."

Congress MP Dr. Mallu Ravi has also criticised the bill, arguing that it aims to centralise power in the hands of the central government and district collectors, making Waqf properties vulnerable to government control.

Additionally, JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) member Imran Masood has raised concerns over a clause stating that any property involving government ownership or disputes will not be considered Waqf unless reviewed by a designated officer. He argues that this provision effectively removes many properties from Waqf control.

BJP’s Stand on Waqf Amendment Bill 

The BJP and its allies have defended the Waqf Amendment Bill, arguing that it brings transparency and benefits the Muslim community. Jagdambika Pal, BJP MP and chief of the JPC on Waqf, emphasised, "The government is presenting this bill in a revised form today. This is a historic moment. Once passed, it will benefit poor Muslims and common people. The opposition and AIMPLB are politicising the issue instead of focusing on reforms."

BJP leaders also claim that consultations have been held over several months, addressing opposition concerns. They argue that the bill will prevent misuse of Waqf properties and bring accountability to Waqf boards.

Will NDA Allies Like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu Support BJP?

Amid the ongoing debate, NDA allies like Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan, Jayant Chaudhary and Jitan Ram Manjhi have expressed their support for the Waqf Amendment Bill. Political parties such as JDU, TDP, RLD, LJP and HAM have officially backed the BJP on this issue.

bjp Asaduddin Owaisi Waqf Amendment Bill