New Delhi: BJP leader and former Union minority affairs minister Smriti Irani on Thursday expressed her views about the opposition’s stance on the Waqf Bill. Smriti Irani questioned the opposition’s protest against the bill, saying, “The bill includes women’s inclusion, so why oppose it?”
Smriti Irani also pointed out that the bill allows cases related to Waqf properties to be heard in Indian courts if Waqf tribunals fail to deliver timely justice. She said, “If Waqf tribunals cannot deliver justice on time, then why oppose taking the matter to Indian courts?”
Authenticity of person declaring Waqf will be verified: Smriti Irani
Irani said that the bill ensured the authenticity of those making Waqf declarations. She said, “The authenticity of the person declaring Waqf will be verified. No one can just randomly declare a Waqf. Why oppose this?”
She criticised the practice of mutawallis (property managers) selling properties without the owner’s permission. “Wasn’t it draconian when mutawallis sold properties without the owner’s consent? Wasn’t it draconian to declare a neighbour’s property as Waqf?”
Irani emphasised that the bill grants women property rights, questioning why the opposition would oppose such a move. “Women were denied property rights, but now they are being given those rights. What issue does the opposition have with this?” she said.
Irani also clarified that the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the tribunal does not imply that they would necessarily be Hindus, stating, “Two non-Muslims can be part of the tribunal, but that doesn’t mean they will be Hindus. What religion or caste does a retired judge have?”
She further asked, “Why would there be a problem with a woman being part of the tribunal?”
Opposition protesting for sake of showing opposition: Smriti Irani
The Minister criticised the concept of “Waqf by user,” citing examples from Delhi, where entire areas like Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk could be declared Waqf based on historical usage. “Is it right to declare places like Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk as Waqf just because prayers were offered there during the Mughal era?” she said.
Irani accused the opposition of protesting merely for the sake of it, asserting, “The opposition is just protesting for the sake of showing opposition.” She also rejected claims that the bill was aimed at election gains.
“It’s wrong to say this is for elections. It’s not limited to states with upcoming elections. It will be implemented across the country,” she said.
She added, “This is a historic day for me. I had the honour of naming this bill ‘Umeed’ (hope).” Irani credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the vision behind the bill and celebrated its success, stating, “This is Modi ji’s vision, and it is being successful.” “Amending the Waqf act was the need of the hour for the Muslim community, especially for the women,” she said.
