TCN News Desk
New Delhi: The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, from both houses of Parliament following marathon debates has led to a fierce political and ideological battle, with strong reactions from across the political spectrum. The bill, which seeks to overhaul the management of waqf properties, has become a flashpoint for debate about democracy, minority rights and constitutional integrity.
The Congress party has been vociferous in its criticism of the bill, with its leaders accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of undermining democratic principles and the Constitution. Party’s MP from Bihar’s Katihar, Tariq Anwar, slammed the BJP-led government for acting with a majoritarian mindset. He claimed the ruling party’s actions reflect a disregard for democratic norms and constitutional values.
“The BJP does not believe in democracy. They have a majoritarian mood and a mindset that, since we are in the majority, we can do whatever we want, demolish anything we want and all should follow that path,” he said.
He also expressed concern that the passage of the Waqf Bill would further polarise Indian society and undermine secular values. He criticised the BJP for allegedly ignoring the voices of the Opposition and vowed that the Congress would approach the Supreme Court, along with other organisations, to challenge the bill’s passage.
Fellow Congress MP Imran Masood also echoed similar concerns and described the bill as an “attack on the Constitution”. He said the proposed legislation undermines the Right to Equality and religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution.
Masood pointed out that the bill does nothing for the welfare of poor Muslims, particularly those from marginalised communities and criticised the government for reducing scholarships and funds for Muslim institutions like the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
“This is not just about Muslims. This is about the Constitution of India. Today, the attack is on Muslims, but tomorrow, it could be on others. We will go to the Supreme Court, as it is the custodian of the Constitution,” he said, asserting that the fight was about defending the Constitution for all citizens, not just one community.
Dissent within secular forces
Meanwhile, the political shockwaves from the bill’s passage have also reached Bihar, where the incumbent Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) is facing internal turmoil. Several Muslim leaders belonging to the JD(U), including Mohammad Qasim Ansari, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Mohammad Tabrez Siddiqui, have resigned the party and accused it of betraying secular values.
The resignations have intensified as JD(U) leaders expressed their disillusionment with the party’s decision to support the Waqf Bill, seeing it as an attack on minority rights.
Siddiqui, who served as the state General Secretary of JD(U)’s minority wing, wrote a letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, expressing his shock at the party’s stance.
“I never expected the JD(U) to back the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. I am disheartened by the party’s stance in Parliament. Hence, I resign from the primary membership and all my positions in the party,” he said, adding that the decision would have far-reaching consequences in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui also weighed in on the controversy, comparing the bill’s passage to the Emergency imposed in the 1970s.
“When Emergency was imposed in the country, it was eventually withdrawn by the then government. Similarly, the current government will have to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as well,” he said, predicting that the political fallout from the bill would lead to its eventual revocation.
Bill defenders praise it as historic step
On the other hand, supporters of the bill, including BJP leaders, have defended the proposed legislation and called it a necessary reform aimed at ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties.
Waqf Bill’s Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman Jagdambika Pal hailed the passage of the bill as a “historic day” for the poor and marginalised Muslims, especially those from the OBC and Pasmanda communities, who are expected to benefit from the bill’s provisions.
“Today, the poor, OBCs and Pasmanda Muslims understand that this amendment is in their favour,” he said and emphasised that the bill would ensure that waqf property income would be used to benefit disadvantaged groups in areas such as health and education.
Pal dismissed Opposition claims that the bill would harm the Muslim community, criticising leaders like Imran Masood and Asaduddin Owaisi for their “inflammatory tactics”.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also praised the passage of the bill, calling it a “historic legislation” and noting the Rajya Sabha’s 17-hour debate, the longest in its history. He lauded the unity and determination of members in passing the bill, which was approved by the Upper House with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, after a marathon session that stretched into the early hours of Friday.
“This would send a very great message to people at large and enhance belief in this great institution,” Dhankhar said, celebrating the bill’s passage as a triumph of dialogue and democracy.
A majoritarian agenda?
However, critics argue that the bill is a tool to further marginalise Muslims under the guise of reform. Congress and many other Opposition leaders have decried the bill as an assault on minority rights. They alleged it is designed to seize waqf lands for political gain, particularly to consolidate the BJP’s base among Hindu voters.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his remarks, warned that the Waqf Board’s “arbitrary claims” over public properties and historical sites would no longer be tolerated. His comments have added to the growing criticism from Opposition parties, including the Congress and the RJD, which argue that the bill is part of a broader strategy by the BJP to erode India’s secular fabric.
Deepening divide
As the dust settles on the passage of the Waqf Bill, the political ramifications are becoming clearer. With Bihar’s state elections looming, the JD(U) is grappling with the fallout from its support for the bill, as more leaders resign in protest.
The Congress and the Opposition’s INDIA Bloc are now preparing to take their fight to the Supreme Court, arguing that the bill violates constitutional principles and undermines the rights of minorities.
In a charged atmosphere of heightened political tension, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has become a symbol of a larger ideological battle, with secular forces vowing to defend the Constitution and the rights of minorities, while the BJP and its allies push forward with what they claim is a long-overdue reform for greater transparency and accountability in religious property management.
As the issue continues to unfold, the question remains: will this bill become a rallying cry for Opposition forces, or will it solidify the BJP’s position as the dominant political force in India’s shifting democratic landscape?