As the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan has strongly opposed it, claiming that it will not pass due to the BJP’s lack of a clear majority. Pathan warned that if BJP’s allies—Nitish Kumar’s JDU, Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (R), and Jayant Chaudhary’s RLD—support the bill, they will lose the trust of the Muslim community forever.
The Political Standoff Over the Waqf Bill
Addressing the issue, Pathan stated, “We are hearing that the Waqf Bill will be introduced in Parliament after Eid. However, passing the bill in the Lok Sabha is difficult as BJP does not have the required majority. To get it passed, they will need the support of JDU, TDP, LJP (R), and RLD. If these parties support the bill, Indian Muslims will never forgive them.”
The AIMIM leader further claimed that the bill is unconstitutional as it violates Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the right to equality and religious freedom.
BJP’s Alleged Conspiracy and Opposition’s Stand
Waris Pathan accused the BJP of planning a “pre-meditated conspiracy” to take control of Muslim Waqf properties under the guise of legal amendments. He questioned how non-Muslims could be included in the Muslim Waqf Board, calling it an attempt to seize lands meant for religious and charitable purposes.
He added, “The government is lying about protecting Waqf properties. If the bill is introduced, we will protest against it constitutionally. Millions of people are already demonstrating, and we will continue our fight against this black law.”
Christian Organizations Support the Waqf Bill
Interestingly, while Muslim leaders and organizations have opposed the bill, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), a major Christian body, has extended its support. CBCI argues that certain provisions in the existing Waqf Act conflict with constitutional principles and secular values.
A key issue raised by CBCI is the case of over 600 families in Munambam, Kerala, whose ancestral residential properties have been declared Waqf land under the current law. According to CBCI, a legal amendment is necessary to provide a permanent resolution to such disputes.
Implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill
The proposed amendments aim to bring reforms in the administration of Waqf properties, but critics fear that they might dilute the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions. The bill has sparked nationwide debates, with different religious and political groups taking opposing stands.
If the BJP pushes the bill forward with the backing of its allies, it could lead to a significant political and electoral backlash, especially from Muslim voters. On the other hand, CBCI’s support suggests that certain communities see the amendments as necessary legal reforms.
The Road Ahead
With the bill scheduled for discussion, all eyes will be on the stance taken by BJP’s key allies. Their decision could influence their future political relationships and electoral prospects. As protests continue and opposition voices grow stronger, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the Waqf Amendment Bill.
