A Historic Day for Underprivileged Muslims: JPC Chief Pal Celebrates Waqf Bill's Passage

New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Following the triumphant passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill by the Central Government, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Chairman, Jagdambika Pal, expressed his contentment, labeling it a day of celebration while commending the government's dedication to socio-economic development.

In a conversation with IANS, Pal noted, "Throughout the past six months, we undertook extensive efforts in the JPC, collaborating with 284 stakeholders and delegations, consulting representatives from 25 states, and convening 38 meetings nationwide."

He highlighted that the recommendations and amendments proposed by the committee received government approval, which he regarded as a notable acknowledgment of the committee's significance in parliamentary democracy.

Pal further explained that the Bill, which was initially presented in its original format, was revised based on the JPC's insights, expressing immense satisfaction with this process.

"This is a matter of great satisfaction for all JPC members. Over these six months, we managed discussions with patience and composure, even in challenging situations that at times felt tense," he stated.

Regarding the Opposition's position, Pal emphasized the overwhelming support the Bill garnered, despite attempts to obstruct it.

"Whether it is the Congress Party, SP, Trinamool, or the DMK, they claimed that if the government introduced this Bill with amendments, it would collapse. However, the fact that we received more votes in the Rajya Sabha than our actual strength and achieved an even greater majority in the Lok Sabha clearly indicates that their efforts were merely intended to incite public sentiment," Pal asserted.

In the early hours of Friday, the Rajya Sabha sanctioned the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with a majority of 128 votes against 95, following a vigorous debate.

The Bill had been ratified in the Lok Sabha just a day prior, after nearly 12 hours of intense discussions.

The JPC Chairman also addressed the protests organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) in Patna and the Opposition’s appeal to the BJP allies, noting that despite these actions, the Bill passed with overwhelming support, marking a historic moment.

"It also unveiled the Opposition’s appeasement politics. Today, the poor, OBCs, and Pasmanda Muslims are aware that this amendment serves their interests," he added.

Pal further underscored that the Bill aims to ensure that Waqf income benefits reach the poor, particularly marginalized groups like OBCs, Pasmanda Muslims, women, and children, who have historically been overlooked.

"When someone dedicates their hard-earned property in the name of God, they intend for its income to assist the poor, OBCs, Pasmanda Muslims, women, widows, and children in sectors such as health and education," Pal remarked.

He also criticized Opposition leaders like Congress’ Imran Masood and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi for their disapproval expressed through inflammatory rhetoric.

"This frustration is evident in Congress leader Imran Masood, who has now labeled Ajmer Sharif’s Shahzada Naseem and Nasruddin Chishti as brokers," he stated, deeming such conduct unacceptable.

Pal proclaimed the day historic for the nation’s impoverished and marginalized Muslims, asserting, "This is a historic day. It may be a dark day for those who opposed the Bill, but for the poor and Pasmanda Muslims in this country, it is a day of celebration, akin to Eid or Bakrid."