The Waqf (Amendment) Bill feels like a legal cover for bulldozers: Manoj Jha

IANS April 3, 2025 224 views

RJD leader Manoj Jha delivered a sharp critique of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, suggesting it might be a pretext for targeting religious properties. He emphasized the long-standing harmony between different religious communities in India and warned against creating unnecessary divisions. Jha argued that electoral majority does not equate to wisdom and called out the potentially divisive nature of the proposed legislation. His speech highlighted the broader context of ongoing communal tensions and challenges to existing religious harmony.

"At times, one feels that this bill is merely a legal cover for bulldozers." - Manoj Jha, RJD Leader
New Delhi, April 3: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Jha on Thursday strongly criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, questioning both its intent and timing.

Key Points

1

Jha questions bill's intent amid rising communal tensions

2

Warns against disrupting centuries-old community coexistence

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Highlights concerns over religious property targeting

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Criticizes majority-driven legislative approach

Participating in the debate on the legislation in the upper house, Jha said: "Every now and then, something is being ‘discovered’ under old mosques. Look at the atmosphere in the country right now -- there are talks of economic boycotts, challenges to the Places of Worship Act, and now this bill. In such an environment, both the draft and the intent of your bill are bound to be questioned."

Jha further alleged that the bill appears to be a pretext for targeting religious properties, saying: "At times, one feels that this bill is merely a legal cover for bulldozers."

"Winning a massive majority in elections does not guarantee wisdom. You often assume that because you have the numbers, you also have all the wisdom. That is not the case,” he said.

Raising concerns about increasing divisions in society, Jha said, “Why are there constant disputes over food, clothing, jewellery, language, and worship? We have developed a habit of marginalizing people, and this trend continues unchecked."

He emphasised the historical coexistence of communities, stating: "Hindus in this country are used to Muslims, and Muslims are used to Hindus. Christians and Sikhs, too, have lived alongside both. Do not try to disrupt these centuries-old habits."

The Rajya Sabha is discussing the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill after it was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Both the treasury and opposition benches locked horns over the Bill.

Earlier, after introducing the Bill in the Upper House, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed allegations that the Bill would harm Muslim interests. He asserted that non-Muslims cannot interfere in the Waqf affairs as its management and beneficiaries would be only Muslims.

Reader Comments

A
Aisha K.
Mr. Jha raises important concerns about social harmony. We've coexisted peacefully for generations - why create divisions now? The timing does seem suspicious with elections coming up. 🤔
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Rahul S.
While I respect Jha's passion, I think we should wait to see how the bill actually functions before making judgments. The minister did clarify it won't affect Muslim interests negatively.
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Priya M.
"Legal cover for bulldozers" is such a powerful phrase! 😮 It really captures how many of us feel about recent policies. We need more voices like Jha's speaking truth to power.
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Vikram D.
Respectful criticism here - while I agree with protecting religious properties, the bulldozer comment seems unnecessarily inflammatory. We should debate laws based on their merits, not emotional rhetoric.
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Sunita R.
As a history teacher, I appreciate Jha's emphasis on our shared heritage. India's strength has always been in its diversity. These constant disputes over places of worship are so tiring and counterproductive.

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

Tags:
Waqf Amendment Bill Manoj Jha RJD Religious Legislation Rajya Sabha Communal Tensions
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