Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra on Thursday hailed the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, calling it a “great moment” for the country. Vijayendra emphasized that the bill addresses long-standing issues, especially in Karnataka, where he claimed that the Waqf Board had taken control of numerous properties belonging to temples and religious institutions.
In a statement to ANI, Vijayendra remarked, “This is a historic moment for the entire country. The Waqf issue has been unresolved for decades, with thousands of people suffering due to the Waqf Board’s actions, particularly under Section 40. Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha yesterday. Karnataka is a classic example where hundreds of temple properties have been taken over by the Waqf Board, and no one had the authority to challenge this in court. He also criticized Congress, saying the party itself was responsible for the Waqf issue.
BJP leader Tarun Chugh also expressed support for the bill, stating that it would bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties. Chugh accused leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Asaduddin Owaisi of misleading the Muslim community and stoking unnecessary fears. “This bill will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the Waqf boards,” he added.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, however, has sparked strong opposition from parties in the INDIA alliance. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh called the bill unconstitutional and claimed it would incite conflicts and disputes in the country. He stated, “We will oppose this bill in the Rajya Sabha as well. It is against the Constitution of India, and its introduction is aimed at creating divisions and controversies.”
Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi also criticized the bill, describing it as a “brazen assault” on the Constitution. At a CPP meeting, Sonia Gandhi said, “The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was passed in the Lok Sabha yesterday and is scheduled for discussion in the Rajya Sabha today. The bill has been bulldozed through Parliament. It is part of the BJP’s strategy to keep society in a state of permanent polarization.”
The government, in response, defended the bill, arguing that it would enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards and improve the management of Waqf properties through better administration, registration processes, and the use of technology.
The Lok Sabha passed the bill after an intense and lengthy debate that stretched into the early hours. A division vote resulted in 288 members supporting the bill, while 232 opposed it. The bill, which aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, seeks to address the shortcomings of the previous law and improve the functioning of Waqf boards across India.
Union Minister JP Nadda is set to present the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha later today.
