Back lash: The chairman of Uttarakhand Waqf Board has created furore by saying those opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 are “political Muslims” who do not represent the poor Muslim community. His words have sparked a controversy against the bill and whether Muslim voices are properly represented in the state. Opposed in parallel, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 which seeks to amend the Waqf Act 1995 has also aroused controversy among some militant Muslim elements of Uttarakhand. They even say that the bill might violate the rights of Waqf property and may affect the independence of Waqf Board.
But the Waqf Board chairman has denied these allegations, claiming that he is trying to bring order in the administration of Waqf properties and should be in use for welfare of poor Muslim section. He even called those rejecting the bill as political, rather than for their community welfare.
“This is the voice of political Muslims which comes to create false controversy,” he said, saying they do not care for the development of poor Muslims. He said bill was necessary to address decades-long issues of mismanagement and corrupt inaction in Waqf. The comments of the chairman have triggered strong reactions from various Muslim organizations and Muslim political leaders. They have slammed him for saying that this will only lead to division and disrespect towards Hindu Parliament, and not considering the genuine grievances of community.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has opened a can of worms on the challenges of articulating Muslim voices that are many and varied in India. Waqf properties, usually donated to be spent on charity can be a delicate subject and legislative changes are accompanied by much heat.
This controversy has also brought several criticisms of Waqf Board in terms of their management of such properties and utilization of these properties. The chairman’s words were a clear call for greater transparency and accountability to be applied on how the board operate.
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The debate has been in headlines in India news, The Indian Express, breaking news and various other Indian news paper had reported on the developments in real time with the help of breaking news as well Google News. It is transforming into a talking point, the diversity of opinion within the Muslim community and also the political cocktail of the hill state Uttarakhand.
The fate of Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 is still hanging in the balance as the debate rages on. The Rant of the chairman has, shall we say, kindled the debate faster Mr. One reads between lines: It has brought up a deep fissure within the Muslim community.
