TDP outlines stance on Waqf Bill, advocates for Muslim welfare, flexibility for states to decide Waqf board composition

ANI April 3, 2025 334 views

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has taken a constructive stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to Muslim community empowerment. Party MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti highlighted key proposed amendments, including prospective applicability of waqf-by-user clauses and flexible state-level board compositions. The bill, which addresses the management of over 872,000 waqf properties, aims to implement recommendations from the Sachar committee for more inclusive governance. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed for cross-party support, noting that the bill incorporates insights from extensive stakeholder consultations.

"The TDP advocated for the establishment of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deeper deliberations" - Krishna Prasad Tenneti, TDP MP
New Delhi, April 3: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday released a statement outlining its official stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, reflecting the party's "constructive position" and "deep connection with the Muslim community."

Key Points

1

TDP suggests amendments keeping Muslim welfare in focus

2

Demands flexibility for state waqf board composition

3

Criticizes YSRCP's minority engagement

4

Supports inclusive waqf property management

During the discussion on the matter in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, party MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti underscored TDP's four-decade-long commitment to Muslim empowerment, positioning the party's stance as both progressive and community-focused as the bill, passed in the Lok Sabha, now heads to the Rajya Sabha.

In his speech in Lok Sabha, Tenneti emphasised the TDP's constructive role since the bill's introduction, stating, "The TDP advocated for the establishment of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deeper deliberations with all sections."

Highlighting the party's contributions, he noted, "During the course of these deliberations, TDP suggested three important amendments keeping in view the welfare of muslims. One of these was the prospective applicability of the waqf-by-user clause. Another was the dispute resolution by an officer above the rank of collector."

He said that the TDP urged the government to provide "flexibility" to the state governments in deciding the composition of the waqf boards. "This flexibility can be provided in the rules under the Act."

Taking a dig at the YSRCP, he remarked, "The YSRCP has merely played politics and not worked for minorities--their JPC representative attended only 47 per cent of the meetings."

Earlier on Thursday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju moved a motion for consideration of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 and the Musalmaan Wakf (Repeal) Bill in the Rajya Sabha. While addressing the upper house of Parliament, Rijiju cited the Sachar committee report, which recommended that the central Waqf council and state Waqf board be broadened to make them inclusive. He was apprised about the number of Waqf properties, saying that the Sachar committee estimated the earnings from 4.9 lakh properties at Rs 12,000 in 2006.

"As of today, there are 872,000 Waqf properties. In 2006, if the Sachar committee had estimated the earnings from 4.9 lakh Waqf properties at Rs 12,000 crore, then you can imagine the income these properties must be generating now. The Sachar committee also recommended that the central Waqf council and state Waqf board should be broadened to make them inclusive. The committee also recommended specific steps to be taken for the benefit of women and children," Rijiju said.

Appealing to Congress and allies to support the Waqf Amendment Bill, Rijiju said that all the recommendations given by previous committees have been incorporated into the newly amended bill.

Rijiju said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs had prepared the bill after taking into confidence many stakeholders across the country. He said that a total of 284 organisations gave their opinions on the bill, and over one crore people submitted memorandums to register their opinions regarding the same.

Reader Comments

A
Ahmed K.
Finally some constructive politics! TDP's approach of suggesting practical amendments while keeping Muslim welfare at the center is refreshing. The flexibility for states makes sense - one size doesn't fit all in a diverse country like India.
P
Priya M.
Interesting to see TDP taking such a strong stance. The numbers about Waqf properties are staggering - 872,000 properties! 😮 Proper management could really benefit the community if done right.
R
Rahul S.
While I appreciate the intent, I'm concerned about transparency in Waqf boards. The article mentions huge earnings potential - will there be proper oversight to prevent misuse? The bill should include stronger accountability measures.
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Fatima A.
As a Muslim woman, I'm glad to see the Sachar committee recommendations about women and children being considered. Hope this translates to real benefits at ground level 🤲 The dispute resolution amendment sounds particularly useful.
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Suresh V.
The political dig at YSRCP was unnecessary. All parties should focus on constructive suggestions rather than point scoring. That said, the bill seems well-intentioned if implemented properly.
M
Meena R.
More than 1 crore people submitted memorandums? That's impressive public participation! Shows how important this issue is to the community. Hope the Rajya Sabha passes it with the suggested amendments.

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

Tags:
Waqf Bill TDP Muslim Welfare Krishna Prasad Tenneti Lok Sabha Kiren Rijiju Waqf Properties
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