– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The Congress has called the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, an “assault” on the Constitution and accused the BJP of using it to disrupt social harmony.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the bill is “deeply flawed” and part of the BJP’s ongoing attempts to “demonise minorities through false propaganda.” He alleged that it weakens constitutional protections for all citizens and aims to “defame minority traditions” to polarize society for electoral gains.
Ramesh listed five major flaws in the bill. He said institutions managing waqf are being deliberately weakened, depriving the community of its right to administer religious affairs. The bill also introduces ambiguity over land donations for waqf, changing its definition. The judiciary’s waqf-by-user principle, based on long-standing traditions, is being abolished.
Existing provisions are being removed to weaken waqf administration, while new safeguards protect encroachers on waqf land. The bill grants excessive power to Collectors and state officials, allowing them to de-recognize waqf properties based on mere allegations.
Ramesh also criticized the JPC for violating parliamentary norms, stating that a 428-page report was “bulldozed” without proper discussion.
