The Rajya Sabha passed the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, following its earlier approval in the Lok Sabha. This significant legislative action came after a spirited debate and has now been forwarded to the President for final ratification.
The bill, which aims to amend the existing Waqf law of 1995, has sparked a heated discussion among political parties and various community sections. Before the vote, the Biju Janata Dal, led by Naveen Patnaik, allowed its MPs a “conscience vote,” reflecting the complex sentiments surrounding the bill.
Key Points from the Debate
Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju spearheaded the debate, refuting claims that the bill targets Muslim interests. He emphasized that the management and benefits of Waqf boards would remain confined to Muslims, stating, “This is about the management of properties and not about religion. We are aiming to eliminate corruption by requiring proof of ownership before any property is declared as Waqf.”
However, the opposition, led by Congress’s Syed Naseer Hussain and AIMIM’s Imtiaz Jaleel, voiced concerns over the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board and questioned the government’s intentions behind such amendments. Hussain highlighted cases where properties historically linked to Muslim communities were misidentified, arguing that the bill could lead to more disputes rather than solving existing ones.
Union Minister JP Nadda argued that similar reforms have been made in Muslim-majority countries to bring transparency and digitalization to Waqf properties. He criticized the opposition for deviating from the main issues and ignoring the needs of the deprived sections of the Muslim community.
Contentious Provisions and Next Steps
The bill introduces several contentious provisions, including the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members on the Central Waqf Council and local Waqf Boards, and stipulates that only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years can donate properties to Waqf. This has raised questions about the practical implementation of determining a practicing Muslim and the potential exclusion of recent converts.
With the Rajya Sabha’s approval, the bill now awaits the President’s signature. If signed, it will become law, potentially redefining the governance of Waqf properties across India.
Political Repercussions
This legislative move has revealed rifts within and between parties, with some members breaking ranks during the vote. The bill’s passage marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions about the governance of religious properties and the role of government in religious affairs. The implementation and impact of these changes remain to be seen as the nation watches closely.
