India Today reported on Sunday that the central government is prepared to introduce a Bill in Parliament to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf Boards.
On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief and Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav announced his party’s opposition to the Centre’s move to limit the powers of the Waqf Board. “The BJP has no agenda except Hindu-Muslim issues or how to strip the rights of Muslim brothers—the rights to freedom, religion, and maintaining their system. We will oppose this,” said the former UP chief minister.
This statement follows a report by a media house on Sunday, revealing that the central government is preparing to introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf Boards. According to sources, the amendment aims to enhance accountability and transparency within Waqf Boards and mandates the inclusion of women. Additionally, it will require Waqf Boards to register their properties with district collectors for accurate valuation.
Reacting to these reports, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the NDA government on Sunday, stating that it seeks to strip the Waqf Board of its autonomy. “The proposed amendments suggest that the Modi government wants to interfere with the management of waqf properties, which undermines religious freedom,” he told reporters.
Owaisi warned that any changes to the establishment and composition of Waqf Boards could lead to “administrative chaos” and loss of autonomy. He alleged that government officials would survey disputed properties instead of courts, potentially declaring them non-waqf properties. “If the media reports are true, the Modi government aims to seize Waqf Board properties from Muslims,” Owaisi said, urging BJP allies to consider their stance on this issue.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also voiced strong opposition, stating that any interference with the legal status and powers of Waqf Boards is unacceptable. They urged NDA allies and opposition parties to reject any such amendments in Parliament.
AIMPLB’s SQR Ilyas called on Muslims and their organizations to unite against what he described as a “malicious act of the government.” He affirmed that the board would pursue all legal and democratic measures to counter this move. “Any changes to the Wakf Act, 2013 that alter the nature of Waqf properties or facilitate their usurpation will not be accepted,” Ilyas stated, emphasizing that any reduction or restriction of Waqf Board powers would not be tolerated.
