The BJP-led federal government submitted the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, amending the Waqf Act of 1995. It was proposed by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. As the opposition fought the Bill’s passage, chaotic events played out in the House.
Kiren Rijiju said, “They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims…Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me…Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they personally support the bill but can’t say it due to their political parties…We have held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill…”
The opposition contested the Bill’s passage, resulting in chaotic scenes in the House.
Opposition parties argue that the measures seek to deprive the Muslim minority of its property, assets, and the “freedom to manage religious affairs” provided by Article 26 of the Indian Constitution.
Earlier, the opposition parties requested that the Treasury bench submit the contentious law to the parliamentary standing committee for more deliberations before it is considered for approval.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Finance Bill 2024 introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the fiscal year 2024-2025 was passed in the House.
The session began on July 22 and is scheduled to end on August 12, if not adjourned sine die.
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