– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today urged the BJP-led NDA government to remain receptive to the objections raised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, emphasizing that efforts must be made to reach a “minimum agreement.” Passing a resolution against the controversial Waqf bill in the state assembly, the Karnataka government also urged the Union government to reconsider its decision.
Speaking to an agency, Rawat said, “The Muslim Personal Law Board is an umbrella organization representing minorities. If it raises concerns, they should be taken seriously. If something is done that the minorities disagree with, efforts should be made to reach at least a minimum agreement so that they do not feel unheard. The country must foster an attitude of generosity rather than narrow-mindedness.”
Meanwhile, in a major development, the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution rejecting the proposed Waqf Bill introduced by the Union government, citing concerns over its potential impact on state autonomy and the management of Waqf boards. Lawmakers argued that the proposed amendments could consolidate power at the central level, thereby weakening the state’s authority over Waqf assets and administration.
Supported by the ruling party and several opposition figures, the resolution urged the Union government to reconsider the measure and underscored the necessity of broader stakeholder consultations. The move comes in response to growing concerns over how the new legislation could affect Karnataka’s philanthropic and religious institutions.
Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil moved the anti-Waqf bill resolution in the state legislative assembly earlier on Wednesday. In a statement, Patil declared that the house had unanimously rejected the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating that it was “completely against the universal aspirations of the people of the state” and urged the Centre to withdraw the legislation.
The AIMPLB is leading the opposition to the bill, calling it unconstitutional and a direct attack on the existence of Waqf properties across the country. The Board organized a massive protest against the bill at Jantar Mantar on March 17, which saw participation from dozens of MPs from various opposition parties and representatives of all major Muslim organizations. The Board remains firm in its stance that the government must withdraw the bill immediately.
