New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant accused the BJP-led NDA of amending the Waqf Act to push a Hindu-Muslim narrative. He alleged that BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, head of the parliamentary panel, used deceptive tactics and avoided a clause-by-clause discussion.
Sawant, a member of the Joint Committee on the Waqf Bill, said BJP aims to polarize politics using Waqf. “They claim to protect Hindus but create hatred against others,” he said.
He accused the panel of acting dictatorially, barring genuine stakeholders, and ignoring opposition concerns. The opposition’s dissent note was likely excluded from the final report.
Sawant claimed RSS and Vanvasi Ashram members were invited as “stakeholders” to falsely claim that Waqf owns vast land. He revealed BJP wants two non-Muslims on the Waqf board, adding officials while considering a Uniform Civil Code.
After an uproar over the review process, 10 of 31 opposition members were suspended in January, exposing BJP’s autocratic control over the committee.
Sawant warned that BJP is fooling the public with its narrative. The bill, set for Parliament’s second session (March 10–April 4), aims to curb Waqf property misuse and speed up registration. The Union Cabinet approved 14 amendments from the joint committee on February 19.
On February 13, opposition parties walked out in protest when the panel’s report was presented. Sawant vowed strong resistance when the bill is tabled.
Earlier, Waqf board members were elected, ensuring Muslim representation. Now, the government will nominate them, risking a non-Muslim majority. “Is this justice for minorities?” he questioned.
Sawant feared similar interference in Hindu temples, citing the Hindu Endowment Act, which ensures only Hindus manage temples like those in Pandharpur and Varanasi.
He warned that if BJP imposes a Uniform Civil Code, Muslims might demand similar rules for Hindu temples. “We won’t tolerate that. Only Hindus should manage temples,” he asserted.
The bill replaces the survey commissioner with the district collector in Waqf disputes, making the government both complainant and judge.
On January 30, Speaker Om Birla received the panel’s 655-page report. The joint committee, by a 15-11 majority, approved BJP-backed amendments, which the opposition sees as an attempt to weaken Waqf boards.
The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, was sent to the joint committee on August 8 last year.
