Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has sharply criticised opposition MPs for their stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, calling it a display of "double standards" ahead of the Budget session of Parliament. His remarks came after several opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) submitted dissent notes regarding the bill, which will be presented in Parliament soon.
Shinde, speaking to ANI, stated, "We are working to take forward the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and keep it intact. Those who follow a different path, the people have already shown them their place in the elections."
The opposition MPs, including Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, and other members from TMC, DMK, and Congress, have voiced their objections to the bill, which aims to reform the Waqf system in India. They argue that the bill may not adequately serve the interests of the Muslim community and could have adverse effects on religious institutions.
The JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, had conducted detailed deliberations before adopting the draft report and amendments. The final report was submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30. JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal praised the committee members for their contributions, highlighting the extensive consultations held with delegations across the country over the past five months.
BJP MP Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal slammed the opposition, accusing them of opposing the government at every opportunity. He said, "Opposition always opposes the government, and it’s in their DNA."
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske also criticised the opposition's objections to the bill, calling it a bill for the betterment of poor Muslims. He mentioned that the Waqf Bill was supported by Sharad Pawar, despite opposition from Uddhav Thackeray's faction. Mhaske noted that the Waqf Board's control over several governmental projects had been problematic and called for a resolution of these issues.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address long-standing issues with the management of Waqf properties, such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment. It includes provisions for digitisation, enhanced audits, and legal measures to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The bill has sparked heated debates in Parliament, and its passage is likely to be a key point of contention during the ongoing Budget session, which runs from January 31 to April 4.
