Kiren Rijiju: Opposition spreading false Waqf rumors
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with its allies, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janasena Party, as well as the Congress, have all issued whips to their respective Lok Sabha Members of Parliament. This directive is aimed at ensuring their presence in the House for the crucial discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill has sparked significant political interest, prompting parties to mobilize their MPs to participate actively in the debate.
The highly debated Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is under discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with intense exchanges taking place between the ruling government and the Opposition. The bill, which has been a subject of controversy, was introduced in the House after the Question Hour for consideration and passage. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the bill, setting the stage for a heated debate on its provisions and implications.
Prior to the discussion, Rijiju addressed the media, explaining the procedural aspects of the bill’s introduction and deliberation. He stated that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Lok Sabha, chaired by Speaker Om Birla, had allotted an eight-hour timeframe for the debate. However, he added that this duration could be extended based on the evolving circumstances within the House, signaling the possibility of a prolonged and intense discussion among the parliamentarians.
The bill’s introduction has drawn sharp reactions from various political parties, with the government justifying its amendments as necessary for streamlining the management of Waqf properties, while the Opposition has raised concerns about its broader implications. The debate has witnessed vocal confrontations, as members from both sides presented their arguments, reflecting the bill’s contentious nature.
While introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, Kiren Rijiju highlighted the extensive consultative process that preceded the finalization of the bill. According to him, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) received an overwhelming response from the public and stakeholders. A total of over 97.27 lakh petitions and memorandums were submitted to the JPC, both in physical form and online, indicating the high level of interest and concern surrounding the bill. Rijiju further stated that the JPC meticulously examined each of these submissions before finalizing its report, ensuring that diverse viewpoints and suggestions were considered in shaping the proposed amendments.
The bill aims to introduce significant changes to the existing Waqf Act, with the government asserting that the amendments will bring greater transparency and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties across the country. However, Opposition leaders have accused the ruling party of pushing the bill without adequately addressing concerns raised by various communities and stakeholders. They have questioned the intent behind certain provisions, arguing that the proposed amendments could have far-reaching consequences for Waqf institutions and their beneficiaries.
As the debate unfolds, members from different political parties are voicing their perspectives on the bill’s potential impact. Government representatives are defending the amendments by citing the need for improved governance and administration of Waqf properties, while the Opposition continues to challenge the bill on multiple fronts, alleging that it could lead to undue government interference in Waqf matters.
The proceedings in the Lok Sabha have been marked by interruptions and heated exchanges, with members passionately debating the bill’s merits and shortcomings. Some parliamentarians have called for further consultations before passing the bill, emphasizing the importance of addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders. Others have demanded specific clarifications on key provisions to ensure that the amendments do not adversely affect Waqf institutions or their rightful beneficiaries.
Despite the disagreements, the government remains firm on its stance that the amendments are essential for modernizing and streamlining the administration of Waqf properties. Rijiju, while defending the bill, reiterated that the proposed changes were formulated after extensive deliberations and consultations. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties, and that the amendments are aimed at strengthening the existing framework rather than undermining it.
As the debate progresses, the Lok Sabha is expected to witness further discussions on various aspects of the bill, with members continuing to present their arguments for and against the proposed amendments. The outcome of this discussion will determine the bill’s fate and its implications for the governance of Waqf properties in the country.
With the Opposition raising strong objections and the government defending its position, the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, remains a focal point of parliamentary proceedings. The intensity of the discussion highlights the bill’s significance and the differing viewpoints on how Waqf properties should be managed in the future. The final decision on the bill will be crucial in shaping policies related to Waqf administration and ensuring that they align with broader national interests and community concerns.