The Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana is treading a fine line in handling minority issues, particularly concerning the Muslim community. Unlike its Karnataka counterpart, Revanth’s administration has adopted a more measured approach. However, pressure is mounting on him to pass a resolution in the upcoming assembly session opposing the Waqf Amendments Bill, which has been placed in both Houses of Parliament following the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report.
The big question remains: Will Revanth Reddy’s government take the bold step of passing a resolution against the Bill? Politically, there may not be much resistance within the assembly—BRS is likely to abstain rather than oppose, and the BJP, with just eight members, lacks the numbers to stall such a move. However, the Congress is under no direct obligation to act, as AIMIM is neither a pre- nor post-poll ally, unlike its association with BRS in the past.
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/who-benefited-from-usaid-in-india-the-nation-demands-answers/
Revanth Reddy led the Congress to victory in Telangana without AIMIM’s support, despite the latter allegedly undermining BRS, the party that had historically accommodated its interests. Given this dynamic, political analyst suggest that Revanth Reddy might choose to sidestep the demand, arguing that the Parliament’s decision should be awaited, especially since the Congress has already opposed the JPC report at the national level.
The BJP has already secured an upper hand by ensuring that the JPC report was tabled in the Lok Sabha and dismissing opposition allegations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the Rajya Sabha that any alleged deletions of dissent notes will be reinstated if necessary. However, this is unlikely to impact the passage of the Waqf Amendments Bill, which the BJP claims will significantly benefit the Muslim community.
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/india-erupts-over-trumps-usaid-funding-reveal/
AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has been vocal in its opposition to the Bill, invoking constitutional principles. However, its stance raises contradictions—while opposing the Bill, the party has also previously accused the Waqf Board of corruption and mismanagement. The debate extends to broader issues, such as AIMIM’s resistance to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which it has struggled to justify beyond electoral considerations.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, seeks to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995. Waqf, an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law, has been legally governed in India since the early 20th century. The Bill proposes major regulatory changes to ensure better management of Waqf assets, which have historically been plagued by mismanagement and corruption.
With Waqf properties valued at over Rs 5 lakh crore in Telangana alone, the community holds vast financial potential. If properly managed, these assets could render the Muslim community self-reliant, funding educational institutions, businesses, and social initiatives. Yet, misgovernance has led to widespread encroachments, corruption, and inefficiencies. Former Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi once noted that registered Waqf properties nationwide could generate over Rs 10,000 crore annually—enough to eliminate the need for external financial support.
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/is-the-row-over-ugc-draft-guidelines-justified/
Telangana’s Waqf Board oversees 77,000 acres of land and 35,000 institutions, yet 70% of its land is under encroachment. The Board’s own inefficiency and alleged corruption have allowed prime properties to be lost. High-profile cases, including the Manikonda Jagir, Guttala Begumpet Idgah, and land around the GMR Hyderabad Airport, highlight the extent of these failures. Court battles have often ended in defeat due to poor legal representation and internal conflicts within the Board, many Muslim intellectuals feel.
Reports such as the Sachar Committee and the Telangana government’s Sudhir Commission have criticized the Board for failing to protect its properties. Proper management could transform Waqf institutions into powerful engines for Muslim economic and educational upliftment. However, the Board’s lack of judicial authority, infighting, and bureaucratic inertia have stymied progress.
Given these realities, political observers believe Revanth Reddy must carefully weigh his decision. While passing a resolution against the Bill may appease certain Muslim groups, it could also alienate other voter segments, particularly in a state where the BJP is looking to expand its base. Moreover, a state resolution will have little impact on the Centre’s legislative agenda, as the BJP holds a majority in both Houses of Parliament.
A misstep here could risk not only Revanth Reddy’s political future but also the Congress party’s prospects in Telangana. Many within Congress and opposition parties like SP and TMC are already struggling to balance religious sensitivities with broader electoral calculations.
The ongoing Maha Kumbh, attended by 50 crore people, underscores how the Hindu majority is uniting. This shift may even force members of opposition parties—including Congress and its allies like SP, TMC, and RJD—to reconsider their allegiance to a party perceived as opposing their faith, which they have practiced for generations.
With the BJP determined to push through the Bill, the Telangana CM faces a defining moment in his political career.
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/trump-exposes-usaid-meddling-india-must-wake-up/
Also read: https://orangenews9.com/congresss-misguided-opposition-to-cec-appointment/
