Asaduddin Owaisi Warns of Social Instability Over Waqf (Amendment) Bill

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has become a significant point of contention in Indian politics, with All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly opposing its introduction in its current form. Owaisi expressed worries in the Lok Sabha, cautioning the government of Narendra Modi that the proposed changes would cause “social instability” in the nation.

Owaisi’s Stand Against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill

In his address to the Lok Sabha, Owaisi issued a warning about “social instability in the country”.
“I am warning this government that social instability will result if the Waqf law is introduced and implemented in its existing form, which would violate Articles 25, 26, and 14. The Muslim community as a whole has rejected it. Owaisi was quoted by ANI as saying, “No Waqf property will be left, nothing will be left.” We want India to be a “developed India,” and you want it to be one. It will be your duty if you wish to return our nation to the 1980s and early 1990s,” he stated.

Waqf as a Sacred Institution

Expressing his deep emotional and religious connection with Waqf properties, Owaisi declared that he would not allow any part of mosques or dargahs to be lost. I’m a proud Muslim from India, and I won’t give up a single square inch of my mosque.My dargah will not be lost in the slightest. I will not allow that to occur. We shall no longer visit this place for diplomatic discussions. My community is pleased to be Indian, and this is the House where I must stand and speak truthfully. This is my property; no one else gave it to me. I can’t have it taken away from me. Waqf is a kind of worship for me,” Owaisi remarked.

Opposition MPs Protest Deletion of Dissent Notes

Adding to the controversy, opposition MPs Kalyan Banerjee and Md Nadimul Haque have alleged that their dissent notes on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill were arbitrarily deleted from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report. The MPs, in a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, expressed their disappointment over the removal of their objections without prior notice or explanation.

“We are disappointed and surprised that the Chairperson has deleted the following observations and dissent notes without informing us and without our consent,” the letter stated.

The dissent notes had criticized the committee’s findings as biased and predetermined, with Banerjee and Haque claiming that the recommendations reflected the views of the ruling party rather than an objective legislative review.

Political and Social Implications

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has now become a focal point of political debate, with strong opposition from key leaders like Owaisi and various opposition parties. The removal of dissenting opinions from official reports further fuels concerns about transparency and fairness in legislative proceedings.

As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the government will address these concerns or push ahead with the bill despite the backlash. One thing is certain: Asaduddin Owaisi and his supporters are prepared to strongly resist any attempt to alter the existing Waqf laws in a way that they believe undermines the rights of the Muslim community.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a deeply divisive issue, with Asaduddin Owaisi emerging as a key voice of opposition. His warnings about social instability highlight the potential consequences of enacting controversial policies without consensus. As the government moves forward with its legislative agenda, the response from political leaders, legal experts, and the public will shape the future of this critical issue.