Synopsis
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi critiques AIMPLB for deviating from its mission and being influenced by political interests during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in New Delhi.Key Takeaways
- AIMPLB accused of losing focus due to political influences.
- Protest against Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 held in New Delhi.
- Participation of eleven opposition parties, including Congress.
- Shift from social issues to political agendas.
- Concerns about the impact on Muslim community issues.
Bareilly, March 17 (NationPress) The National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, criticized the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday for straying from its fundamental mission and being "hijacked" by political interests.
His comments came as the AIMPLB organized a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, claiming that the government is plotting to take over Waqf properties.
The demonstration included participation from eleven opposition parties, such as the Congress. Yet, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi condemned the AIMPLB for giving precedence to political partnerships rather than focusing on the genuine issues faced by the Muslim community.
"AIMPLB is conducting a dharna at Jantar Mantar. Everyone has the right to protest, but I wish to emphasize an important aspect. The Muslim Personal Law Board was established to tackle social issues and fight against societal evils within the Muslim community. Regrettably, it has now deviated from that objective," he remarked.
He noted that in the past, political figures were absent from the board, but it is now largely influenced by representatives from various political factions.
"The board now consists of individuals connected to numerous political parties, whether in Parliament or other positions. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party, Congress, and even AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi hold significant roles within the Muslim Personal Law Board," he added.
According to Razvi, the board has moved away from dealing with Sharia-related and social matters, instead aligning itself with political objectives.
"It is evident that the Muslim Personal Law Board has been commandeered by politicians and political parties. This takeover will have dire consequences for the genuine issues faced by Muslims," he cautioned.
His statements arise amid ongoing debates regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) presented its report on the bill in Parliament on February 13, which faced resistance from various political factions.
The Waqf Act of 1995, originally enacted to oversee Waqf properties, has long been criticized for problems such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to tackle these issues by introducing reforms such as digitization, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal avenues to recover illegally occupied properties.
