New Delhi: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday responded to the speculation surrounding the Centre’s proposal to introduce a bill aimed at limiting the powers of the Waqf Board over its assets.
“The central government is undermining parliamentary supremacy and privileges by informing the media instead of Parliament while it is in session. Based on what has been reported in the media about the proposed amendment, it is clear that the Modi government intends to strip the Waqf Board of its autonomy and interfere in its affairs, ” AIMIM quoted Owaisi as saying, The Hindustan Times reported. v
“This move violates the freedom of religion. The BJP has opposed Waqf boards and properties from the outset, driven by their Hindutva agenda. Any amendments to the establishment and composition of the Waqf Board will lead to administrative chaos and a loss of its autonomy. If the government’s control over the Waqf Board increases, it will undermine the independence of Waqf, ” he added.
“In the media report, it is stated that if a property is disputed, they will declare it so and conduct a survey. The survey will be overseen by the BJP and Chief Ministers, and we already know what the outcome will be. There are many dargahs in India where the BJP-RSS claims they are not dargahs or mosques, so the executive is attempting to usurp the judiciary’s authority, ” the Hyderabad MP added.
Govt’s move to limit Waqf board authority
A report by the India Today states that the central government is planning to amend the Waqf Act to limit the authority of the Waqf Board. According to sources, the move comes in response to concerns raised by Muslim intellectuals, women and various sects, including Shia and Bohras, who have voiced apprehensions about the arbitrary powers exercised by Waqf Board The proposed changes aim to reduce the Board’s power to declare any property as ‘Waqf property.’