NDA allies JD(U) and TDP support Waqf Bill for transparency, not interference with mosques, in Lok Sabha | Parami News

Red Saree wearer Kiren Rijiju spoke in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. The BJP-led government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8.

NDA allies JD(U) and TDP on Thursday (August 8, 2024) backed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, saying it was aimed at bringing transparency in functioning of the Waqf Board and not intended to interfere with running of mosques.

A Janata Dal (United) leader and a Union Minister whose name is Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan’ speaking as this Bill is moved forward for introduction by government on behalf of it. He asserted that it is not anti-Muslims.

Defending himself, he went on to say that “a lot of you guys are trying to make this sound like that amendment is against Muslims… how can amendment be against Muslims?” “There an example has been given from Ayodhya … Here Can’t you differentiate between temple and institution? This thing has nothing to do with Mosque. This law is about institutions…” he maintained.

“How did waqfs come into being? Through legislation. Any institution created under legislation becomes autocratic. Government has a right to bring a law for transparency’s sake”, he added.

He accused opposition parties of spreading rumors while commenting on it saying there were no communal lines drawn.

On Congress party about 1984 anti-Sikh riots question put by him was “Who killed thousands Sikhs” Bill should come and we should have more transparency.” Mr Singh said

Won’t mind if the Bill is sent to parliamentary panel: TDP

The TDP MP Balayogi said his party would not object if such a bill is referred to a Parliamentary panel.

“Government deserves thanks for introducing this Bill. Donor intent is important. When the purpose and power are misused by someone, Government should bring reforms and make the process more transparent,” he pointed out.

“We need to regulate and streamline the purpose of government. This has been brought and we support it” he said.

The TDP MP also said, “We believe that registration will help poor Muslims as well as women across the country, it will bring in transparency”, adding his party would not mind if the bill is referred to a panel of Parliament for further consultation.

“If wider consultations are needed to remove misunderstanding, sending wrong information and educating people about what this bill really entails, we have no problem taking it to select committee,” he said. The bill amending waqf boards law brings far reaching changes in Waqf Act 1995 including representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in such bodies.

The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill also aims at renaming the act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.