THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 2: The Jharkhand unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024, with state party president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi strongly criticizing the Congress and the INDI Alliance for opposing it.
Marandi asserted that the amendment is designed to secure the rights of underprivileged Muslims, particularly women. He accused opposition parties of obstructing the progress and development of the Muslim community.
He emphasized the necessity of freeing Waqf properties from land mafias and ensuring their use for the welfare of poor Muslims.
Not Unconstitutional, Past Amendments Cited
Refuting claims of unconstitutionality, Marandi pointed out that the Waqf Act has been amended multiple times since pre-independence days, including in 1954 and 1995. He questioned why previous amendments were not deemed unconstitutional, yet this one is being challenged.
He particularly criticized the 2013 amendment by the Congress-led UPA government, which, according to him, unlawfully granted the Waqf Board unrestricted authority over any land.
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He highlighted that the Waqf issue affects not just Muslims but also Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians, citing instances where Waqf authorities have arbitrarily claimed temples, gurdwaras, and even entire villages as Waqf properties.
Judicial Stand on Waqf and Impact of Amendment
Marandi noted that the Kolkata High Court and Supreme Court have ruled that Waqf is not a religious body but a trust managing properties under the Waqf Act.
He clarified that the amendment will not impact previously registered Waqf properties, and ongoing disputes will be settled as per court orders.
He said that the bill primarily aims to regulate the powers of state Waqf boards, property registration, surveys, and encroachment removal.
Amendment Based on Sachar Committee Report
He highlighted that the bill is aligned with the recommendations of the Sachar Committee, which was constituted by the Congress itself. He dismissed concerns about infringement on religious institutions, asserting that the amendment is meant to grant rights to those who have been historically deprived.
Marandi claimed that many Muslim and Christian organizations have backed the bill. He cited the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), which has urged MPs from Kerala to support the amendment.
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Ensuring Transparency and Reform
Calling the bill a reformative measure rather than a revolutionary one, he emphasized that it would ensure transparency while safeguarding the rights of poor Muslims and women. He accused the Congress of hastily amending the Waqf Act in 2013 just before the general elections, granting unchecked powers to the Waqf Board without requiring documentation to justify property claims.
Marandi urged the Congress and INDIA alliance to stop misleading the public on the issue.
