"Once a Waqf, Always a Waqf? Not Anymore," says BJP as Waqf Amendment Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: The controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has been widely criticised by Muslim organisations and opposition parties, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took to X (formerly Twitter) to express its support for the Bill, stating that it "brings in accountability, puts people's rights first, and ends unchecked monopolies."
"Once a Waqf, always a Waqf? Not anymore," the BJP wrote on X, emphasising four key reasons why the Waqf Amendment Bill is necessary.
The saffron party argued that under the new Bill, Waqf Boards would no longer have the power to self-declare land as Waqf property. It further pointed out that Waqf boards would no longer be required to disclose land records or financial transactions.
Another significant amendment, according to the BJP, is that disputes over Waqf properties will now be heard in civil courts, ending the Waqf’s exclusive control over land-related cases. The Bill also aims to amend special protections that had previously prevented courts from hearing Waqf disputes.
Additionally, the party highlighted that the Bill ensures women’s representation in Waqf administration. The BJP noted that these amendments are critical for promoting social justice and equality.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. The government claims that the amendments will streamline the functioning of Waqf Boards and improve the management of Waqf properties.
"The government is not going to interfere in any religious institution. The changes made in the Waqf law by the UPA government gave it overriding effect over other statutes, hence the new amendments were required," he said amid noisy opposition protest.
Once a Waqf, always a Waqf...?
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 2, 2025
Not anymore❌
The Waqf Amendment Bill brings in accountability, puts people’s rights first, and ends unchecked monopolies.
✅ Full digitalization of Waqf properties 💻
✅ Ensuring women’s representation in Waqf administration
✅… pic.twitter.com/yXVX51qJ15
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Vote rigging charges against MLA DN Jeevaraj: HC grants interim stay on FIR
Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay on the FIR against Sringeri legislator DN Jeevaraj, who is accused of vote rigging.
A vacation bench consisting of Justice V Sreeshananda heard on Tuesday the BJP MLA’s plea urging the HC to quash the case against him.
After hearing the arguments, the judge granted an interim stay on the case against Jeevaraj.
The hearing of the case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 7.
