Opposition vs Government on Waqf Bill in Lok Sabha.

The Lok Sabha is currently witnessing an intense debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with the government and the opposition expressing sharp opinions on its merits and implications. The NDA-backed government, including the BJP and the TDP, is pushing for the passage of the bill. They argue that this will strengthen the Waqf properties and benefit the Muslim community. However, opposition parties, including the Congress, the CPI(M) and various Muslim organizations, are strongly opposing the bill. They are calling it unconstitutional and a threat to Muslim rights and religious autonomy.

Government's stand

Support of NDA allies: The government has issued a whip to its MPs to ensure their strong presence in the Lok Sabha for voting. NDA allies, including the JD(U) and the TDP, have expressed support for the bill. JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh asserted that the bill is not anti-Muslim and aims to ensure justice for all sections of the Muslim community. Defending the bill: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, while introducing the bill, said it was in the interest of the country and would benefit all Muslims. He defended the bill from allegations of being unconstitutional, arguing that it was a well-thought-out and drafted law.

Shiv Sena's support: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde strongly supported the bill and compared it to actions taken by the previous government such as abrogation of Article 370 and passing the triple talaq and CAA laws. He criticised the UBT for opposing the bill and suggested that they were abandoning their ideological roots.

Opposition's stand

Strong criticism: The opposition, led by the Congress, has strongly criticised the bill and called it unconstitutional and against the interests of the Muslim community. Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi argued that the bill was introduced without proper clause-by-clause discussion in the Joint Parliamentary Committee and accused the government of bringing in a law that would disturb peace in the country.

CPI(M) opposition: The CPI(M) has announced opposition to the bill and said its MPs will vote against it in Parliament. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan indicated the party's stand, stressing that the bill could harm the Muslim community. Muslim organisations opposition: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has vowed to challenge the bill in court and take the fight against the "black law" to the streets. AIMPLB member Mohammed Adeeb claimed the bill is an attempt to confiscate Muslim properties. Key points of contention Representation and control: One of the main points of contention is the reduction of Muslim representation in waqf governance. The bill proposes changes that could allow non-Muslims to serve on waqf boards, a move that opposition parties and Muslim organisations argue is unconstitutional and violates the principles of religious autonomy. Financial and administrative changes: The bill also includes provisions to reduce the mandatory contribution of waqf institutions to the Waqf Board from 7% to 5% and introduce state-sponsored audits for institutions with income of more than ₹1 lakh. The opposition sees these changes as an attempt to impose more government control on waqf properties. Peace and security concerns: Opposition leaders, including PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have warned that the bill could create communal tension and disrupt peace in the country. Mufti called upon Hindu brothers to support the Muslim community and prevent the situation from deteriorating. Highlights from the debate Comic exchange: Comic exchange between Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav and Union Home Minister Amit Shah added humour to the proceedings. Yadav mocked the BJP's inability to elect a president, while Shah also responded in the same way, leading to laughter in the House. Ravi Shankar Prasad's remarks: In the Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted that the country belongs to both Muslims and Hindus, but questioned who should be the role model of the Muslim community. He criticised "vote business" and called for focus on national unity.

Security measures

Precautionary measures: Security has been tightened at sensitive places, especially in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, as a precautionary measure after the Waqf Bill was introduced. Flag marches and drone surveillance are being carried out to monitor the situation, which has been peaceful so far.