By Fnf Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 02, Apr 2025, 16:08 pm IST | UPDATED: 02, Apr 2025, 16:08 pm IST
The Union Minister claimed that the changes initiated under the UPA government denotified 123 properties and handed them to the Delhi Waqf board, including the CGO Complex and the Parliament building. In the Lok Sabha, Rijiju asserted that if the Central government does not introduce the amendment today, even the Parliament building could have been claimed as Waqf property.
"A case ongoing since 1970 in Delhi involved several properties, including the CGO Complex and the Parliament building. The Delhi Waqf Board had claimed these as Waqf properties. The case was in court, but at that time, the UPA government denotified 123 properties and handed them over to the Waqf Board. If we had not introduced this amendment today, even the Parliament building we are sitting in could have been claimed as Waqf property. If PM Modi Govt did not come into power, several properties would have been de-notified," the BJP leader said.
Rijiju further clarified that, "Waqf Bill is not interfering in any religious system, any religious institution, or any religious practice in any way." He also clarified the provisions have nothing to do with the management of any mosque, temple, or religious site.
"It is simply a matter of property management. However, Waqf properties are managed by the Waqf Board and the Mutawalli. If someone fails to understand this basic distinction or deliberately chooses not to, then I have no solution for that," Rijiju added.
Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha. Ahead of the tabling of the bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered opposition over their criticism of JPC and said "We have a democratic committee, which brainstorms. 'Congress ke zamane mein committee hoti thi jo thappa lagati thi'."
"Our committee discusses, deliberates on the basis of discussions and makes changes. If the changes are not to be accepted, then what is the point of the committee?" he added. The Waqf Amendment Bill was earlier presented in the Lok Sabha on August of last year and a Joint Parliamentary Committee, headed by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, examined it.
The bill seeks to amend Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records.
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