New Delhi, April 01: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called on all secular political parties, including allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, set for discussion in the Lok Sabha on April 2.
AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani urged MPs to reject the bill, alleging it undermines fundamental rights under Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Constitution. “This bill is designed to weaken Waqf laws and facilitate the seizure of Waqf properties,” Rahmani mentioned in a statement. He added that despite the Places of Worship Act, disputes over religious sites continue to escalate.
The AIMPLB warned that passing the amendment would lead to increased government and private claims on Waqf assets, making it easier for officials to take control of them. “India is known for its communal harmony, but those in power seek to dismantle it,” Rahmani said.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Lok Sabha’s business advisory committee had agreed to an eight-hour debate on the bill, with an option to extend the discussion.
Opposition parties walked out of the committee meeting, demanding more time to address additional issues, including Manipur’s situation and concerns over voter ID cards.
Introduced in August, the bill proposes 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, including changes in board representation and governance. The government claims the reforms align with recommendations from the 2006 Rajinder Sachar Committee, but the Opposition argues they would negatively impact Muslim communities.
