Parliament: Bill to make changes in Waqf law tabled in Lok Sabha

Houses adjourned for a day.

Parliament completes Budget exercise with Rajya Sabha returning Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill to Lok Sabha.

“You can’t impose a law forcefully. If it’s a good bill, then agree with the opposition’s demand to send it to Parliament committee,” said Congress leader Harish Rawat on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. 

 "This Bill has only been introduced (in the Parliament), and has not been passed. It is a conspiracy of the opposition to mislead people and create an atmosphere of fear among them. They are trying to mislead people that this Bill is against the Muslims and will take away their rights. However, this Bill has been introduced only to bring transparency in the Waqf Board," said Union Minister Chirag Paswan.

Union Budget balances different overriding imperatives, incl growth, jobs, capex, and fiscal consolidation: FM Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met the delegation for the Right to Food Campaign in the reception area of the Parliament House.

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde said, "This Waqf Bill is in true sense, for the betterment of the minority Muslim community... There has been no prior amendment to the Waqf Bill... Even today, the opposition is against it because they do not want Muslim women to get representation... Congress is repeating its mistake during the Shah Bano case... No one can name any Waqf property that has been put to good use like schools, colleges, or hospitals. This bill will bring about transparency and accountability..."

On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Congress MP K Suresh says, "INDIA bloc's demand was for a Standing Committee to look after this Bill. But they sent it to JPC without consultation of the Opposition..."

He also said, "The abrogation for Article 370 was introduced in the House. CAA also moved there. They said the same at that time too, that it is not anti-Muslim Bill...Who will believe that? Only BJP. Muslim community will not believe that."

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, BJP MP Arun Govil said, "I dont think its about religion. Waqf is an organisation that manages properties and the revenue generated from them. It should not be linked to religion. Kiren Rijiju answered all questions of the opposition with utmost clarity leaving no ounce of doubt. The opposition opposes everything just for the sake of it. If mistakes made during the Waqf Board Amendment in 1995 need to be rectified and it is a good thing... This is not anti-muslim..."

 "We strongly oppose this Bill. This Bill is against the Constitution and violates Articles 14, 15 and 26, and it is discriminatory. It is against the Right to Freedom of Religion, and it shows that the BJP and RSS hate the Muslims," said AIMIM leader Waris Pathan on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

On JPC to be constituted for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, "This is a halfway positive measure but still the government's motives are malicious and suspicious. Let the JPC be formed, and let's see the members of the committee. All issues will be discussed in the committee. All contentious legislation must go to the committee..."

On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "Union Minister (Kiren Rijiju) has totally misled the House. Totally untrue and misleading statements from his side. It is quite unfortunate. But it is going to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), let's fight there."

Bill to amend Waqf law introduced in Lok Sabha.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju proposes sending Waqf (Amendment) Bill to Joint Parliamentary panel.

My good fortune that being non-Muslim, I am getting opportunity to bring bill for welfare of Muslims, said Kiren Rijiju.

Speaking in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims...Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me...Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they personally support the bill but can't say it due to their political parties...We have held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill..."

"I want to tell this House with full responsibility that whatever provisions are there in this Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, from Article 25 to 30, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious institution," says Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Union Miniser Kiren Rijiju presents Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament today. He said, "We want to implement the law of limitations."

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha. Said, "Mistakes have been made, but today is the day to rectify them."

Speaking in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says,"...This bill being brought today is based on the report of Sachar committee (which called for reform) which you made (Congress)..."

Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Friday. "With this bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body," Rijiju stated. "Forget about taking anyone’s rights; this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them."

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav voiced his opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during a session in the Lok Sabha on Friday.*

*Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav voiced his opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, during a session in the Lok Sabha on Friday.*

"This bill is being introduced as part of a well-thought-out political strategy," Yadav stated. "Mr. Speaker, I heard in the lobby that some of your rights are also going to be taken away, and we will have to fight for you. I oppose this bill."

*Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to Yadav's remarks,* saying, "Akhilesh ji, you cannot make such ambiguous statements. You are not the protector of the Speaker's rights.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, accusing it of violating constitutional principles. "This bill infringes on Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Constitution. It is discriminatory and arbitrary," Owaisi stated. He further criticized the central government, asserting that the bill divides rather than unites the nation and labeling it as evidence of hostility towards Muslims.

In the Lok Sabha, RSP MP NK Premachandran condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating, "The bill disempowers the Waqf Board and the Waqf council, dismantling the system." He argued that the bill contradicts constitutional principles and warned, "If subjected to judicial scrutiny, it is likely to be struck down."

In a speech in the Lok Sabha, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, urging the government to either withdraw the bill or refer it to a standing committee for further scrutiny. Sule called for broader consultations before advancing the bill, stating, "Please do not push agendas without consultations."

In a heated debate in the Lok Sabha, DMK MP Kanimozhi vehemently opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. She argued that the bill directly violates Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which grants minorities the right to administer their institutions. Kanimozhi criticized the bill as discriminatory, claiming it targets a specific religious group.

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal has strongly criticized the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. He described the bill as a "draconian" and fundamental attack on the Indian Constitution. Venugopal's remarks reflect concerns over the bill's implications for constitutional rights and governance.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has moved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. The bill seeks to amend existing provisions related to Waqf properties and their management. The introduction marks a significant legislative step aimed at addressing issues in the Waqf sector and enhancing oversight and regulation.

Opposition leaders staged a protest on Parliament premises, calling for the implementation of minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers' crops and justice for the agricultural community.

Opposition MPs from parties including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - led by Sharadchandra Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) gathered on the steps leading to Makar Dwar in Parliament. They wore garlands made of vegetables and chanted slogans such as "Kisan ko phasal pe MSP do" (Give MSP on crops to farmers) and "Kisan pe anyay bandh karo" (Stop injustice against farmers).

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday blasted Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien and asked him to behave accordingly. A visibly upset and angry Dhankhar was seen shouting at the top of his voice and said, "I am being insulted everyday in the House". READ MORE...

The opposition walked out of Rajya Sabha over demands for a discussion on Vinesh Phogat's shocking Olympics disqualification.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, attended a crucial meeting of Congress Lok Sabha MPs at the Parliament House Annexe in Delhi today. Alongside Gandhi, several senior party leaders participated in the discussions aimed at strategizing for the upcoming parliamentary sessions and addressing key legislative issues.

Introduction and Objectives: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 and aims to clearly define "waqf," ensuring it includes properties owned by Muslims for at least five years. It also addresses the issue of Waqf-alal-aulad to protect women's inheritance rights.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, aiming to amend the law governing Waqf boards and rename the Waqf Act, 1995, is set for introduction in Parliament on Thursday. This significant legislative move is part of the ongoing monsoon session.

During a meeting, leaders from the Congress, NCP-SCP, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress argued that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill should not be introduced directly. Instead, they insisted that it be referred to a parliamentary committee for thorough examination and consultation.