New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday called the Waqf (Amendment) Bill a weapon, aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights.
In a post on X, the Congress leader said, “This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future.”
He added, “The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion.”
The bill was tabled the in Lok Sabha on Wednesday Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. It proposes significant changes to the management of Waqf properties in India.
The administration of Waqf properties in India is presently governed by the Waqf Act, 1995, which is enacted and regulated by the Central Government. The key administrative bodies involved in Waqf management include;
1. Central Waqf Council (CWC) – Advises the government and State Waqf Boards on policy but does not directly control Waqf properties.
2. State Waqf Boards (SWBs) – Manage and protect Waqf properties in each state.
3. Waqf Tribunals – Exclusive judicial bodies that handle disputes related to Waqf properties.
