BJP Introduces Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 Amid Opposition from Congress and Allies
New Delhi [India], August 8: The BJP-led government is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. This bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, addressing issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.
The INDIA bloc has decided to oppose the bill, while the BJP has criticized Congress and its allies for hindering necessary reforms. BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan praised the initiative, stating that it responds to demands from the Muslim community and aims to empower disadvantaged members by ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned whether the bill had been discussed with BJP’s allies, emphasizing the need for stakeholder consultation. IUML MP ET Muhammed Basheer and Congress MPs KC Venugopal and Hibi Eden also expressed strong opposition, with Basheer accusing the government of capturing the rights of the Waqf Board.
The Samajwadi Party has also announced its intention to oppose the bill in Parliament.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Waqf -: Waqf is a type of charitable trust in Islam where property or money is donated for religious or charitable purposes.
Amendment -: An amendment is a change or addition to a law or a document.
Lok Sabha -: Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament where laws are made and discussed.
Waqf Act, 1995 -: The Waqf Act, 1995 is a law in India that governs the management of waqf properties.
State Waqf Boards -: State Waqf Boards are organizations in each state of India that manage waqf properties.
Encroachment -: Encroachment means illegally taking over someone else’s property or land.
INDIA bloc -: INDIA bloc is a group of political parties in India, including Congress, that work together on certain issues.
Congress -: Congress is another major political party in India, also known as the Indian National Congress.
Allies -: Allies are groups or parties that work together for a common goal.
CR Kesavan -: CR Kesavan is a spokesperson for the BJP, meaning he speaks on behalf of the party.
Disadvantaged Muslims -: Disadvantaged Muslims are Muslims who face difficulties or are less privileged in society.
Shiv Sena -: Shiv Sena is a regional political party in India, mainly active in the state of Maharashtra.
IUML -: IUML stands for Indian Union Muslim League, a political party in India that represents the interests of Muslims.
Samajwadi Party -: Samajwadi Party is a political party in India, mainly active in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Stakeholder consultation -: Stakeholder consultation means discussing with all the people or groups who are affected by a decision before making it.
