Congress, INDI bloc leaders voice opposition over Waqf Amendment bill

ANI April 2, 2025 237 views

The Congress-led INDIA alliance has mounted a strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, with multiple party leaders voicing concerns about its potential to centralize power and marginalize Muslim interests. Senior MPs like Mallu Ravi, Imran Pratapgarhi, and Harish Rawat have publicly criticized the bill, arguing it threatens constitutional principles and could create societal divisions. The opposition plans to challenge the bill's provisions during parliamentary proceedings, viewing it as part of a broader political agenda. The bill is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha, with an anticipated 8-hour discussion expected.

"This bill is against the interests of Muslims" - Mallu Ravi, Congress MP
New Delhi, April 2: Leaders from Congress and the INDI Bloc have expressed strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill amidst growing political tension.

Key Points

1

Congress and INDIA bloc unanimously oppose Waqf Amendment Bill

2

Opposition claims bill centralizes power and threatens minority interests

3

Multiple MPs protest against proposed legislative changes

Opposition parties, including the Congress-led INDIA alliance, are preparing to challenge its provisions ahead of the bill's tabling in the House.

Congress MP Mallu Ravi voiced his opposition, stating that the bill undermines the interests of Muslims and is being introduced solely to centralize power in the hands of the central government and the collector.

Speaking to ANI, Mallu Ravi said, "This bill is against the interests of Muslims. This bill is being brought only to centralise the power of the central government and the collector. We completely oppose this bill."

Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi staged a protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill infront of Parliament. Imran Pratapgarhi wore black attire and held a placard that read, "Reject Waqf Bill," during his protest.

Congress leader Harish Rawat also spoke to ANI about the bill and said, "Earlier, when amendments were made in the bill, questions were raised, and we resolved them through discussions, but you (government) are not resolving them. It seems that this is also a part of the BJP's agenda of polarization."

On the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament today, CPI-M MP John Brittas said, "Unfortunately, the government is going ahead with this bill, which will create polarisation in the society. Opposition unitedly will oppose the bill."

Deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi strongly opposed the bill, saying that it would "disturb the peace in the country".

Gogoi said the clause-by-clause discussion was not held in the Joint Parliamentary Committee and added that the law is against the Constitution and minorities.

Congress MP K Suresh also said that the INDIA bloc is against the Waqf Amendment Bill and will oppose it in the parliament.

"The entire opposition is against this bill. Our members in the Joint Parliamentary Committee have also decided to oppose this bill. Yesterday, the INDIA bloc leaders unanimously decided to oppose this Waqf amendment bill," K Suresh said.

Congress's Khaleequr Rahman slammed the central government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying that the entire exercise is being done in an unconstitutional manner.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav reiterated his party's opposition to the proposed amendments on Wednesday, describing them as dictatorial and unconstitutional.

"Our party has been opposing this bill from the beginning. The amendments made in the bill are dictatorial and unconstitutional...They are in the majority, and they will get it passed somehow, but we want to have discussions so that the country should know what they are doing," he told ANI.

Congress and other opposition leaders have strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, raising concerns over its potential to divide communities.

The bill will be tabled after today's Question Hour for consideration and passing. Following that, an 8-hour discussion will be held, subject to an increase. The bill was presented in the Lok Sabha in August of last year, following which a Joint Parliamentary Committee was formed under Jagdambika Pal's leadership for further consideration.

The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to redress the issues and challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Interesting to see such strong opposition from multiple parties. I hope they actually discuss the bill properly instead of just political posturing. The Waqf properties issue needs careful handling.
R
Rahul S.
While I respect the opposition's right to protest, I wish they'd focus more on constructive solutions rather than just rejecting everything. The current Waqf system has flaws that need addressing. �
A
Ayesha M.
As a Muslim citizen, I appreciate leaders standing up against this. The timing and provisions do seem suspicious. Why rush such sensitive legislation without proper discussion? 🤔
V
Vikram P.
The black attire protest was a bit dramatic, but it got attention! At least they're consistent in their opposition. Wonder if the bill will actually get amended after all this.
S
Sunita R.
I'm not convinced either side is being completely transparent here. The government says it's about better management, opposition says it's about control. Where's the neutral analysis?
A
Arjun T.
The real question is - will this actually help in proper utilization of Waqf properties or just create more bureaucracy? The 1995 Act definitely needs updating, but is this the right way?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Waqf Amendment Bill Congress INDIA Bloc Parliamentary Politics Minority Rights Protest
You May Like!