CPI’s D Raja and Congress Leaders Criticize Government’s Proposed Changes to Waqf Board Act
New Delhi, India, August 5: Amid reports that the central government is likely to introduce a bill to limit the powers of the Waqf Board over its assets, opposition leaders have voiced strong objections. CPI General Secretary D Raja accused the BJP of attempting to seize Waqf properties and tampering with the constitution.
D Raja stated, “The media reports on the amendments to the Waqf Board Act have created strong apprehensions among minorities, particularly Muslims. People foresee a sinister design by BJP-RSS to end Waqf and seize its properties without proper public debate.”
He added, “The BJP-RSS is taking measures like this one after another. Already, Home Minister Amit Shah has justified three criminal laws, which have sparked country-wide protests. Now, these amendments to the Waqf Board are being proposed without any public or parliamentary debate. This is a grave threat to our secular, democratic society and the constitution.”
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari urged the BJP to discuss the bill with its allies before presenting it to the opposition. He said, “Before introducing the bill, the government should discuss it with their allies like JDU and TDP.”
Former Waqf Minister Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan alleged that the government aims to seize Waqf properties and distribute them among its friends. He emphasized the need for suggestions and objections to be considered before any amendments are made.
The proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act, which are expected to restrict the Waqf Board’s powers, are likely to be introduced first in the Rajya Sabha. Sources indicate that the government has consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organizations to introduce reforms before bringing the amendments. Between 32 and 40 amendments are being considered.
Doubts Revealed
CPI -: CPI stands for Communist Party of India. It is a political party in India that follows the principles of communism.
D Raja -: D Raja is a leader and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI). He is a politician who speaks on behalf of his party.
Congress -: Congress refers to the Indian National Congress, a major political party in India. It has been one of the oldest and most influential parties in the country.
Waqf Board Act -: The Waqf Board Act is a law in India that governs the management of Waqf properties. Waqf properties are assets given for religious or charitable purposes in Islam.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is another major political party in India, currently in power at the central government.
Secularism -: Secularism means that the government treats all religions equally and does not favor any one religion over others.
MP -: MP stands for Member of Parliament. An MP is a person elected to represent the people in the Parliament of India.
Pramod Tiwari -: Pramod Tiwari is a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Congress party. He is involved in making laws and discussing important issues in the Parliament.
Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan -: Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan is a former Waqf Minister and a leader from the Congress party. He has experience in managing Waqf properties and related issues.
Stakeholders -: Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest or concern in a particular issue. In this case, they are people affected by the Waqf Board Act.