Waqf Bill 2024 Faces Heated Opposition

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, has triggered a heated debate in the Lok Sabha, with strong opposition from parties like Congress, DMK, and AIMIM, who label it unconstitutional and discriminatory. The Bill aims to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995, renaming it and including broader representation on Waqf boards, including Muslim women and non-Muslims. Rijiju defended the Bill, stating it seeks to rectify past mismanagement and empower marginalized groups within the Muslim community, while opposition figures argue it undermines minority rights and federalism. The government has agreed to refer the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further consultation. Supporters, including BJP leaders, argue that the Bill is necessary for transparency and accountability in Waqf property management. Critics, however, see it as an attempt to interfere with religious freedoms and accuse the government of pursuing a communal agenda.