Amaravati: During the debate on Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, YSR Congress Party MP P.V. Mithun Reddy referred to the strong objections to the Bill from several Muslim organisations, including All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
He stated that it was unfortunate that most of these objections were not adequately addressed.
Despite the Bill being referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), there are serious constitutional violations and a lack of consideration for the concerns raised by the Muslim community, he said
“In a country where nearly 14.6% of the population – amounting to 20 crore people – belongs to the Muslim community, their voice must be taken seriously. This bill is clearly unconstitutional, as it violates Articles 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution,” he stated.
Article 13 declares that any law in derogation of fundamental rights shall be void. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law. Article 25 provides the freedom to profess, practise, and propagate religion. Article 26 gives religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion. The proposed bill undermines these provisions, especially with the inclusion of non-Muslim members under Sections 9 and 14, and unnecessary alterations to the functioning and structure of Waqf Boards.
Furthermore, the amendment to Section 72(1), which reduces the annual contribution to the Board from 7% to 5%, is seen as a direct blow to the financial independence of the Waqf Boards. “This provision has the potential to financially cripple the Board,” the YSRCP MP warned.
The YSRCP MP urged the people of Andhra Pradesh to take note that N. Chandrababu Naidu betrayed the minority community, while YSRCP continues to uphold its commitment to justice, equality, and constitutional rights.
In Rajya Sabha, YSRC Congress MP Y.V. Subba Reddy strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill saying it threatens the constitutional rights and religious freedoms of the Muslim community in India.
Subba Reddy said the bill could seriously damage the faith of Muslim citizens in the Constitution and Parliament.
He said several respected Muslim organisations, including All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, had raised genuine concerns about the bill, but their voices were ignored.
He stated that the bill goes against Articles 13, 14, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution. He also criticised the proposal to include non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, calling it unconstitutional and unnecessary.
Subba Reddy pointed out that AP is home to over 50 lakh Muslims, and the government has failed to protect their interests. He said the bill would weaken the financial structure of Waqf Board and place unjust restrictions on donations and property dedications.
He urged Parliament to stand for the values of democracy and secularism. He said the bill is not just about property, but about protecting the faith and rights of a large community in India.
