Waqf bill sparks intense debate in Parliament, Owaisi labels BJP as 'enemy of muslims'
New Delhi: The introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha today has ignited a heated debate, with several MPs from the INDIA bloc condemning the legislation as 'divisive,' 'anti-Muslim,' and 'unconstitutional.'
Prominent opposition leader Asaduddin Owaisi, MP from AIMIM, led the charge, accusing the BJP of being "enemies of Muslims" and infringing upon Muslim personal laws. He argued that the Bill seeks to undermine the Waqf system and convert Waqf properties into government assets, thereby threatening the autonomy of Muslim institutions.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also voiced his opposition, accusing the government of using the Bill as a pretext to sell Waqf land for the benefit of BJP members. Yadav described the legislation as a "strategic move" to influence upcoming state elections, particularly in Maharashtra and Haryana.
RSP MP NK Premachandran condemned the Bill as a potential constitutional violation and a dismantling of the Waqf system. He expressed concerns that the Bill's provisions could pave the way for the misuse and seizure of Waqf properties, undermining the rights of the Muslim community.
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal labeled the Bill as a "fundamental attack on the Constitution" and a misuse of power to target minority communities. He criticized the government for focusing on divisive legislation rather than addressing pressing national issues such as unemployment and inflation.
Supriya Sule, an MP from the NCP, raised procedural concerns, noting that many parliamentarians were first informed about the Bill through media reports rather than official channels. She called for either the withdrawal of the Bill or its referral to a standing committee for thorough scrutiny, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its potential impact.
In defense of the Bill, Union Minister Lalan Singh asserted that the amendments are intended to enhance the efficiency of Waqf administration and are not aimed at interfering with the functioning of mosques or targeting Muslims. He claimed that the Bill incorporates recommendations from various reports and consultations aimed at improving Waqf management.
However, the opposition's criticisms remained strong, with DMK MP Kanimozhi adding that the Bill violates Article 30 of the Constitution, which protects the rights of minorities to manage their institutions. She accused the government of attempting to centralize control over Waqf properties, thereby eroding the autonomy of Muslim communities.
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Remarks against St Francis Xavier: Right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar gets bail
Panaji (PTI): A court in Goa on Saturday granted bail to right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, who was arrested after he allegedly made derogatory comments against St Francis Xavier.
Judicial Magistrate First Class, Vasco, granted regular bail to Khattar, currently admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim for treatment of chest pain after he was shifted from the District Hospital in Mapusa two days back.
A row erupted after a video of remarks by Khattar, the founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, at an event on April 18 in the presence of Swami Brahmeshanand, State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji (Krishna) Salkar, went viral.
St Francis Xavier is revered as the patron saint of Goa.
The controversial remarks led to the Vasco Police registering an FIR against Khattar on charges of hurting religious sentiments and creating enmity between groups.
He was detained in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, by local police. His custody was later handed over to the Goa Crime Branch, according to officials.
