Opposition Criticizes Waqf Bill as "Unconstitutional" and Anti-Muslim
In New Delhi, opposition parties have ramped up their criticism of the proposed Waqf bill, characterizing it as "unconstitutional" and targeting the Muslim community. Major parties, including Congress, TMC, DMK, RJD, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), SP, and several Left factions, are questioning the government’s motives behind this sudden focus on aiding impoverished Muslims.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, voiced strong opposition to the bill, labeling it as "divisive" and accusing it of containing "draconian clauses." He stressed that the bill would only deepen divides within society, stating, "This is against Muslims. Don’t stir up trouble in our peaceful society." He also criticized a clause that would allow non-Muslims to be included in the central waqf council and state waqf boards, posing a challenging question to the government about whether Muslims would be included in other religious trusts.
Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain opened the debate for the opposition, describing the bill as unconstitutional and alleging that it serves to create communal tension, ultimately aimed at bolstering the BJP’s vote bank.
TMC representative Mohd Nadimul Haq emphasized that the bill undermines fundamental rights, stating emphatically that it violates the Constitution and compromises federalism. RJD member Manoj Jha argued that the bill represents "dog whistle politics," intended to push Muslims out of the mainstream.
DMK’s Tiruchi Siva insisted the bill is "legally flawed, constitutionally indefensible, and morally wrong." Similarly, CPM’s John Brittas described the proceedings as a "cardinal violation" of rights, arguing that the government is creating segregation, even going so far as to separate deities from one another.
Cautioning against the government’s path, Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav warned of a potential shift towards a totalitarian state. He was echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut, who suggested that these actions are merely distractions from the real issues facing the nation.
The ongoing debate around the Waqf bill is set to continue as opposition parties maintain their stance against what they perceive as an infringement on constitutional rights and social harmony.
