Owaisi Faces Backlash for Tearing Waqf Bill Copy in Lok Sabha

Politics Politics of India

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-03 09:02:10 |

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All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi sparked controversy in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday night after tearing a copy of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, as a mark of protest. His symbolic act, reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi’s protests against discriminatory laws in South Africa, drew sharp criticism from the ruling BJP and other quarters.

BJP Slams Owaisi’s Protest as 'Unconstitutional'

BJP MP and Joint Parliamentary Committee Chairman Jagadambika Pal condemned Owaisi’s actions, calling them “unconstitutional” and an insult to parliamentary decorum. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju also criticized Owaisi, questioning why he opposed provisions benefiting Muslim children under the Waqf Act while no such provisions existed for Hindus.

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams also denounced Owaisi’s protest, labeling it an “insult to the Constitution.” He argued that the amendments aimed to curb corruption within Waqf properties and benefit poor Muslims. He further accused those opposing the amendments of being part of the “Waqf mafia” who feared losing control over valuable properties.

Owaisi’s Stand Against the Bill

Defending his protest, Owaisi compared the Bill to colonial-era laws and insisted that it was unconstitutional. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s resistance against unjust laws, he declared, “Like Gandhi, I am also tearing up this law. This is unconstitutional. The BJP wants to create divisiveness in the name of temples and mosques.” He demanded that 10 amendments be accepted to protect Muslim interests.

Owaisi, along with several opposition leaders, claimed that the Bill undermines Waqf institutions’ autonomy and could lead to unfair treatment of the Muslim community. Critics argue that the Bill centralizes control over Waqf properties, reducing the authority of local boards.

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 Passed in Lok Sabha

Despite opposition, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, was passed in Lok Sabha late Wednesday night with a 288-member majority after a 12-hour debate. The Bill aims to improve Waqf property administration and curb alleged irregularities. It is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha today for further discussion.

With tensions high over the Bill, the debate on Waqf rights and religious property management is expected to continue in the coming days.

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