Oppn calls Waqf bill attack on basic structure of Constitution

AMENDED BILL PROPOSES THAT A GOVERNMENT OFFICER ABOVE THE RANK OF COLLECTOR WILL INVESTIGATE PROPERTIES CLAIMED AS WAQF.

- Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI: Congress member of parliament (MP) Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday said the INDIA bloc will oppose the proposed changes to the Waqf law and called the bill an attack on the basic structure of the Constitution with an aim to dilute its provisions, defame minorities, disenfranchise them, and divide the Indian society.

Hitting back, former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said when a large number of Waqf properties are lying vacant and being looted, the government has all powers to bring a law to regulate it.

He told Gogoi that while he cited the Constitution, he did not present a complete picture on its various provisions authorising the government to bring laws on various issues, including Waqf properties.

Initiating the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Gogoi accused the government of misleading Parliament, referencing past discussions on the matter. "This bill is an attack on the basic structure of our Constitution, an attack on our federal structure, and has four primary objectives: to dilute the Constitution, to defame minority communities, to divide Indian society, and to disenfranchise minorities," he alleged.

"The claim that the 2013 UPA government did not act on this issue is false. Repeated allegations have been made," Gogoi said, questioning the necessity of the amendments. He further argued that the bill had not been adequately discussed with minority representatives. "In 2023, four meetings of the Minority Commission were held, and yet, there was no mention of the need for a Waqf amendment bill. I ask the government - was this bill drafted by the minority affairs Ministry or some other department?" The opposition MP also raised concerns over Clause 3, which defines individuals practising Islam. "Minorities are now being forced to prove their religious identity with certificates. Tomorrow, will people from other faiths also have to do this? This is against Article 26 of the Constitution," he said.