Patna : Thousands of protesters gathered in Gardanibagh, Patna, to voice their opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, with several Muslim organizations leading the demonstration. The agitation gained further momentum as prominent Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, joined the protesters, pledging their full support to the cause.
Addressing the crowd, Tejashwi Yadav lambasted the proposed bill, declaring, “We will not allow this Nagpuria law to be implemented at any cost. We stand firmly with you in this fight. If you take one step, we will take four to ensure this law is stopped. There is a conspiracy to divide the country, and we will resist it.”
Unyielding Opposition from RJD
Lalu Prasad, revered among the crowd, stood by his party’s position, echoing the sentiment of defiance. Tejashwi Yadav reiterated their commitment, adding, “Whether we are in power or not, we have always opposed this unconstitutional and undemocratic bill, both in the Vidhan Sabha and the Vidhan Parishad. Today, we sought a discussion on the matter through an adjournment motion, but the House was adjourned.”
RJD MLC Sunil Singh also voiced his opposition, warning of the bill’s nationwide repercussions. “This bill will impact the entire country. We do not follow the ideals of Godse, which the RSS people advocate. Our leader Lalu Yadav is opposing this, and we will continue to resist it until our last breath. India’s beauty lies in its secularism,” he remarked.
The Waqf Amendment Bill: Key Changes and Concerns
The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes significant changes to the functioning of the Waqf Board and the management of Waqf properties. Under the existing law, if the Waqf Board claimed ownership of any property, the matter could only be appealed in a tribunal, whose decision was final. However, the new bill proposes that claimants can now challenge such decisions in the Revenue Court, Civil Court, or High Court.
Another contentious provision is that properties currently used for religious purposes, such as mosques, will no longer automatically be considered Waqf property unless explicitly donated. Additionally, the bill proposes that two women and two individuals from other religions be included in the Waqf Board, a move that critics say dilutes the traditional composition of the board.
Understanding the Waqf Board: History and Role
The term ‘Waqf’ originates from the Arabic word ‘Wakufa’, meaning to stop or dedicate. In Islamic tradition, Waqf refers to the donation of property for societal benefit, such as for educational institutions, hospitals, or places of worship. Historically, Waqf was introduced in India during the Delhi Sultanate between 1206 and 1526 AD, with Sultan Muizuddin Sam Gaur reportedly donating villages to the Jama Masjid of Multan as Waqf property.
Following the Partition of India in 1947, many Muslims migrated to Pakistan, leaving behind properties that were transferred to the Waqf Board under the Waqf Act of 1954. Presently, there are around 32 Waqf Boards across the country, managing properties and their revenues, which are often used for charitable and religious purposes.
Controversy Over Land and Authority
With ownership rights of over 58,000 Waqf properties under dispute, cases continue to pile up at various tribunals and courts. According to government data, the Waqf Board controls around 9.4 lakh acres of land, second only to the Indian Railways and the Ministry of Defence. The annual revenue generated from these properties is estimated to be around Rs200 crore.
