Jagdambika Pal Responds to Owaisi’s Criticism, Defends Waqf Amendment Bill
Waqf Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman, Jagdambika Pal, has strongly defended the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has been met with significant criticism from AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Pal responded on Tuesday, clarifying that the new Bill would provide critical benefits to impoverished Muslims, particularly Pasmandas, and widows once enacted.
Speaking to ANI, Pal explained that the Bill is designed with the welfare of these vulnerable groups in mind. “When the Triple Talaq Bill came into effect, it benefited many people in our country, and similarly, the new Waqf Bill will bring benefits to the impoverished Muslims, Pasmandas, and widows,” Pal said, highlighting the positive impacts expected from the upcoming legislation.
Owaisi’s Concerns Over Waqf Amendment Bill
Owaisi has voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, warning that its introduction would destabilize the social fabric of the country. In a statement made in the Lok Sabha, the AIMIM Chief expressed his concerns over the Bill’s potential to violate constitutional rights. Owaisi emphasized that the Bill had been outright rejected by the Muslim community, stressing that it would lead to a loss of Waqf properties, undermining community rights.
“If this Waqf law is passed in its current form, it will violate Articles 25, 26, and 14 of the Constitution and will result in social instability,” Owaisi warned. He further asserted that the law, in its present state, would threaten the sanctity of Waqf properties, including masjids and dargahs, which he deemed as a form of worship for the Muslim community. He also expressed his firm stance on preserving these properties: “As a proud Indian Muslim, I will not lose an inch of my Masjid or Dargah.”
Pal Highlights Owaisi’s Role in the Legislative Process
In his response, Pal pointed out that Owaisi had participated in the discussions surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He recalled that Owaisi attended meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Committee where amendments were discussed, voted on, and officially adopted. Despite Owaisi’s dissent, the committee’s report was finalized, and the proposed amendments were recorded.
“Owaisi himself has been part of the JPC, where amendments were passed through voting, and even dissent notes were registered,” Pal clarified. He further reiterated that the Bill was structured to protect places of worship while ensuring that the benefits of Waqf properties reach the underserved segments of society, particularly the poor Muslims and widows.
The Government’s Stance on Waqf Properties
Pal stressed that the government’s primary objective with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is to ensure the integrity of Waqf properties. The government aims to secure these properties for the benefit of marginalized communities, ensuring that resources are directed toward improving the lives of those in need.
He also highlighted the Bill’s provisions, which seek to prevent the misuse or mismanagement of Waqf properties, thus ensuring they serve the intended purposes. According to Pal, the Bill would bring much-needed reforms, offering a streamlined approach to the administration of Waqf properties and safeguarding them for future generations.
The Debate Over Social Stability
Owaisi’s remarks suggest a broader concern about the potential societal impacts of the Bill. He argued that the Bill could lead to a rise in communal tensions and that its implementation could be a regressive step for Indian Muslims. “You want to make India ‘Viksit Bharat,’ but we also want a ‘Viksit Bharat’—without taking us back to the 80s and 90s,” he asserted.
However, Pal has assured that the Bill’s intention is to foster inclusivity and progress for all communities, especially the most marginalized. He urged critics to look at the potential positive outcomes the Bill could bring for communities in need, rather than focus solely on the concerns raised by its opponents.
Conclusion
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill continues to be a point of contention in Indian politics, with differing opinions on its long-term impact. While Owaisi warns of potential social instability, Jagdambika Pal remains confident that the Bill will ultimately empower poor Muslims, Pasmandas, and widows, ensuring that Waqf properties are used to uplift the most vulnerable communities.
As the Bill moves forward, both supporters and critics will likely continue to voice their concerns, shaping the ongoing debate on its implications for social equity and religious harmony in India.
