Jagadambika Pal Defends Waqf Bill Amid Protests
New Delhi: Jagadambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliament Committee (JPC), has declared that the Waqf Amendment Bill will pass despite massive protests from Muslim bodies. Speaking to IANS on Monday, Pal emphasized, “Approaching the Supreme Court is always an option, but should we as a democracy function only through threats or by the will of the people? Elected representatives make laws, not by threats.”
Defending the bill, Pal stated that it had undergone thorough examination, with several consultations. However, members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have criticized the JPC for not consulting scholars or holding meetings prior to introducing the bill.
Pal also condemned AIMPLB’s call for nationwide agitation, asserting, “We listened to the AIMPLB for six months, giving them four hours to voice their concerns. We have now prepared a 400-page amendment that addresses the needs of minorities and supports vulnerable groups such as the poor, women, orphans, widows, and economically backward Muslims.”
Reaffirming his stance, Pal asserted that the bill’s amendments are crucial and will benefit the most vulnerable, reaffirming that no resistance from Muslim groups will stop its passage.
Meanwhile, Muslim groups have strongly criticized the bill, accusing the BJP of targeting Muslims through what they call “unconstitutional laws.” Following the announcement of protests by the AIMPLB, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind expressed full support, claiming the government is forcing Muslims to take to the streets.
