Waqf Amendment Bill will pave way for "constitutional hierarchy over un-constitutional anarchy": Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

New Delhi [India], August 8 : Former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said that the Waqf Amendment Bill will pave the way for "constitutional hierarchy over unconstitutional anarchy."
When asked about the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced in Parliament, Naqvi, a senior BJP leader said that the Bill is a positive and constructive step towards "a logical ending solution to a long-pending problem." This is the need of the country, religion, as well as the Waqf and Waqt." (time).
Naqvi, a former Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, said that those who are trying to create "communal confusion on constitutional correction" must desist from spreading fear and fallacy through their communal fanatic conspiracy to impose a Talibani lock on an inclusive reform.
Naqvi said that, in the name of autonomy, the arrogance of super-constitutional authority is not in the interest of the country or the community at large. The Waqf system should move beyond its "touch-me not" syndrome, as this mentality, supported by the communal caucus, has made the Waqf system as a hostage of their narrow-minded self-interests.
Naqvi said that "This is the right time to bring the Waqf system out of the darkness of mistrust and anarchy. The Waqf Amendment Bill will ensure transparency and accountability in the Waqf system for the empowerment of society."
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to "effectively address" issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties and removal of encroachments, was introduced in Lok Sabha.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which amends the Waqf Act, 1995, was introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress and AIMIM, strongly opposed the introduction of the bill, saying its provisions were against federalism and constitutional provisions. While some members demanded the withdrawal of the bill, many suggested that it should be sent to a standing committee.
Rijijiu agreed to the suggestions for further scrutiny of the bill by a parliamentary committee.
"We are not running away anywhere. So, if this has to be referred to any committee, I would like to speak on behalf of my govt - a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) be formed, this Bill be referred to it & detailed discussion be held," he said.
Rijijiu gave a detailed reply to the points raised by opposition parties and said the government was acting on recommendations made by a panel constituted when the Congress-led UPA government was in power.