New Delhi, April 2: Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav has criticized the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the ruling party of prioritizing the interests of industrialists over the welfare of the poor. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Yadav said, "The ruling party is attempting to divert attention from key issues by introducing this bill. It will not benefit the common people, especially the poor. The real beneficiaries of this bill will be industrialists, not the underprivileged."
In contrast, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale defended the bill, stating that it is designed to benefit Muslims. He explained, "There is unnecessary politics surrounding this bill. Its primary aim is to help Muslims, as the Waqf Board’s assets were previously controlled by a few, without benefiting the larger Muslim community. This bill will ensure that the poor Muslims can directly benefit from these properties. We are not opposing any community."
Additionally, Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi voiced his support for the bill, emphasizing that societies and nations should evolve with the times. He expressed confidence that the bill would receive widespread support, despite opposition protests. "The opposition opposes every bill, even those like the triple talaq ban, which is no longer practiced in Muslim-majority countries. Today, many religious leaders from the Muslim community are in favor of this bill," Marandi remarked.
The Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995. Its goal is to streamline the administration and management of Waqf properties across India by addressing gaps in the existing framework. The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improve the registration process, and incorporate technology for better management and record-keeping.
