Manoj Jha: Waqf (Amendment) Bill Seems Like a Legal Excuse for Bulldozers
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Synopsis
On April 3, Rashtriya Janata Dal member Manoj Jha criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, questioning its intent and timing. He warned against targeting religious properties and highlighted societal divisions, advocating for the historical coexistence of communities in India.
Key Takeaways
- Manoj Jha criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025.
- The Bill raises concerns about targeting religious properties.
- Jha emphasized societal divisions over cultural issues.
- He advocated for historical coexistence among communities.
- The debate continues in the Rajya Sabha after Lok Sabha approval.
New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Jha on Thursday vehemently condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, raising concerns regarding its intent and timing.
During the debate on this legislation in the upper house, Jha stated: "Every now and then, something is being ‘discovered’ under old mosques. Look at the atmosphere in the country right now -- there are discussions of economic boycotts, challenges to the Places of Worship Act, and now this bill. In such an environment, both the draft and the intent of your bill are bound to be questioned."
Jha further claimed that the bill seems to be a rationale for targeting religious properties, saying: "At times, one feels that this bill is merely a legal cover for bulldozers."
"Winning a massive majority in elections does not guarantee wisdom. You often assume that because you have the numbers, you also have all the wisdom. That is not the case,” he remarked.
Expressing worries about rising divisions within society, Jha questioned, “Why are there constant disputes over food, clothing, jewellery, language, and worship? We have developed a habit of marginalizing people, and this trend continues unchecked."
He underscored the historical coexistence of communities, asserting: "Hindus in this country are accustomed to Muslims, and Muslims are accustomed to Hindus. Christians and Sikhs have also lived alongside both. Do not attempt to disrupt these centuries-old customs."
The Rajya Sabha is deliberating on the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill after it was approved in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Both the treasury and opposition benches clashed over the Bill.
Earlier, after presenting the Bill in the Upper House, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed claims that the Bill would harm Muslim interests. He asserted that non-Muslims cannot interfere in Waqf affairs as its management and beneficiaries will be exclusively Muslims.
