Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister and leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Hemant Soren, assured a delegation from All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) that his party will never support Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 if it is introduced in Parliament.
The assurance came during a meeting as part of AIMPLB’s outreach program to engage with Opposition leaders and chief ministers. The delegation, led by AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, explained to Soren the reasons behind their opposition to the bill. They emphasized that the proposed amendment weakens the existing Waqf Act, potentially leading to the seizure of Waqf properties. Maulana Rahmani further argued that the bill contradicts the Constitution, undermines democratic values, federalism, and pluralistic fabric of the country.
In response, Soren firmly stated, “We will never support the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament if it is presented.”
Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of AIMPLB, introduced the board’s key concerns to the Chief Minister, detailing various provisions of the bill. Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, AIMPLB executive member, reiterated their opposition and urged Soren to stand with them against this blatant attack on minority rights.
The Chief Minister, after listening attentively, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Muslim community, stating, “I have always stood by the rightful causes of Muslims and will continue to do so. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that this harmful bill does not pass in parliament. We will pass a resolution in our cabinet against the bill.”
The delegation also submitted a detailed report outlining a critical analysis of the bill’s provisions and thanked the Chief Minister for his attention. Jharkhand’s Minister of Minority Affairs, Hafizul Hasan Ansari, accompanied Soren during the meeting.
Besides Maulana Mujaddidi and Dr. Ilyas, the delegation included Maulana Mohammed Yaseen Qasmi, Maulana Mufti Nazar Tauheed, and renowned surgeon Dr. Majid Alam. AIMPLB members from Jharkhand were also part of the discussion.
