The Chairman of the Waqf Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Jagdambika Pal, responded on Tuesday to AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s criticism of the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that the new bill will benefit the poor Muslims, Pasmandas, and widows.
Pal told ANI, “When Article 370 was discussed, Mehbooba Mufti had said that rivers of blood would flow. The way the Triple Talaq Bill benefited, similarly, when the new Waqf Bill comes, it will also lead to benefits.”
He also pointed out that Owaisi has participated in the committee meetings where amendments to the bill were voted on, and opposition members had submitted dissenting notes. “Owaisi himself has been part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), participating in meetings, amendments were passed through voting, and dissent notes were taken,” Pal added.
Pal said that the government’s intent with the new bill is to protect places of worship and ensure that the benefits of Waqf properties reach the underprivileged Muslim communities, including Pasmandas and widows.
Owaisi Warns of Social Instability
In response, Asaduddin Owaisi warned the government against moving forward with the Waqf Bill, 2024, in its current form. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Owaisi argued that the bill, as it stands, would violate constitutional rights under Articles 25, 26, and 14, and lead to social instability.
He expressed strong opposition to the bill, stating, “It has been rejected by the entire Muslim community. If you bring this bill, no Waqf property will be left, nothing will be left.”
Owaisi also raised concerns about the direction in which the country is heading, saying, “You want to make India ‘Viksit Bharat’, we want ‘Viksit Bharat’. You want to take this country back to the ’80s and early ’90s, it will be your responsibility.”
He passionately defended the rights of Muslims over Waqf properties, declaring, “As a proud Indian Muslim, I will not lose an inch of my Masjid… I will not lose an inch of my Dargah. I will not allow that. Waqf is a form of worship for me.”
