Law is for benefit of poor Muslims: UP Minister OP Rajbhar backs Waqf act after chaos in J-K assembly

ANI April 8, 2025 158 views

The Waqf Amendment Act has triggered significant political tension in Jammu and Kashmir's legislative assembly. UP Minister OP Rajbhar strongly defended the legislation, emphasizing its intended benefits for poor Muslims. Political parties like PDP and National Conference vehemently opposed the bill, with some members staging dramatic protests. The law ultimately passed in Parliament and received presidential approval, highlighting the complex dynamics of legislative reforms in India.

"This law is for the benefit of poor Muslims" - OP Rajbhar, UP Minister
Lucknow, April 8: Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Tuesday defended the Waqf Amendment Act, stating that it has been brought for the benefit of poor Muslims. He alleged that those opposing the legislation were the ones who "rob" the rights of the poor.

Key Points

1

Waqf Amendment Act sparks intense debate in J-K Assembly

2

Mehbooba Mufti's PDP moves resolution against legislation

3

National Conference opposes bill as unconstitutional

4

President Droupadi Murmu signs controversial law

Reacting to the uproar in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the issue, Rajbhar said, "This has no meaning; this law is for the benefit of poor Muslims."

"The strong Muslims who rob the rights of the poor are the ones opposing it," he told ANI.

The Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes earlier as members from the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanded a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act, recently passed by Parliament and signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu.

The MLAs from various parties, including the NC, expressed dissatisfaction with the legislation and urged for deliberations in the House. PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, even moved a resolution demanding that the Centre repeal the Act. However, the resolution was not put to vote.

In protest, a National Conference MLA tore the copy of the reform bill inside the House. PDP MLA Waheed Para and other party members stormed the Well of the House, displaying documents related to their resolution before being marshalled out. NC leaders also moved to the Well and had a heated exchange with Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference chief Sajad Lone.

JKPC president Sajad Lone criticised the NC-led government, alleging that it was avoiding a debate on the bill. He further demanded that the party remove the Speaker, whom it had appointed, to allow a fair discussion on the Waqf reforms.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, addressing reporters in Ganderbal, reiterated his party's opposition to the bill, calling it unconstitutional. "There are parties in the Supreme Court. Hence, the Speaker did not allow a debate on it. We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will serve justice," he said.

The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. It had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha after an extensive debate, where 288 members voted in favour and 232 opposed it. The Law Ministry confirmed on Saturday that the President had given her assent to both Waqf-related bills.

Reader Comments

A
Aisha K.
Finally some legislation that actually considers the needs of poor Muslims! Too often policies benefit only the wealthy. This is a step in the right direction. 🙏
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Rahul S.
Interesting to see such strong reactions in the assembly. While I support helping the poor, I wonder if there could have been more discussion before passing the bill? The tearing of documents seems extreme though.
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Mohit P.
The minister makes a valid point about wealthy Muslims exploiting the system. But the way this was handled in J&K assembly was just chaotic. Our politicians need to learn how to debate properly.
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Sana F.
As someone who works with underprivileged communities, I've seen how waqf properties can be mismanaged. If this act helps ensure benefits reach the truly needy, then it's worth supporting!
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Karan D.
While I appreciate the intention behind the act, the implementation needs to be transparent. We've seen too many welfare schemes get derailed by corruption. Hope proper oversight mechanisms are in place.
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Fatima A.
The opposition's reaction seems disproportionate. If they have concerns, they should propose amendments rather than just protesting. Democracy means constructive debate, not just opposition for opposition's sake.

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

Tags:
Waqf Amendment Act OP Rajbhar Mehbooba Mufti Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Muslim Rights Legislative Controversy
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