Synopsis
The debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill intensified as JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal countered AIMIM Chief Owaisi's claims. Pal rejected Owaisi's warnings about social instability, arguing that the bill is aimed at protecting Waqf properties for the benefit of marginalized groups.Key Takeaways
- JPC Chairman defends the Waqf Bill.
- Owaisi claims the bill threatens social stability.
- Pal emphasizes the bill supports marginalized communities.
- Concerns over mismanagement of Waqf properties raised.
- Owaisi warns of potential constitutional violations.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) The discussion surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill intensified on Tuesday when Jagdambika Pal, the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), responded sharply to remarks made by AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Owaisi had voiced concerns about the bill, asserting that it could incite social instability.
Pal dismissed what he termed as unfounded objections, accusing the Opposition of sowing confusion and indulging in the politics of appeasement.
In statements to IANS, Pal remarked, "When the government implements a law, it operates within constitutional limits. Owaisi and his followers are inciting unwarranted fear. This bill is designed to ensure the proper management of mosques and to guarantee that marginalized groups, including Muslims, widows, and children, benefit from Waqf properties, rather than having them seized."
"His comments are devoid of factual basis and reflect an agenda aimed at creating discord. What is his motive for instilling fear and confusion?" Pal questioned.
He pointed out that Imams and muezzins have been mismanaging these properties, frequently selling them. The goal is to safeguard and utilize these assets for the community's benefit, he further elaborated.
Owaisi, during his address in Parliament on Monday, cautioned the government to reconsider the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in its current iteration.
He warned that passing this legislation would trigger social instability nationwide, claiming it has been outright rejected by the entire Muslim community.
In his speech to the Lok Sabha, Owaisi declared, "If this government moves forward with this version of the Waqf law, it will contravene Articles 25, 26, and 14 of the Constitution, leading to chaos. The Muslim community will not accept it—there will be no Waqf property left, nothing."
He added, "You speak of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), and we also aspire for a 'Viksit Bharat'. However, if your intention is to regress this nation to the 1980s and 1990s, that burden will rest on your conscience."
"As a proud Indian Muslim, I will not allow even an inch of my mosque or Dargah to be taken. I will not tolerate it. We are no longer here to deliver diplomatic speeches—we are here to assert and convey the truth. This is our property, our right, not conferred by anyone else. Waqf is a sacred form of worship for us, and it cannot be taken away," he emphasized.
