Shehzad Poonawalla: Opposition Exploiting Waqf Bill for Vote Bank

New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill prepares to be presented in the Lok Sabha on April 2, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla expressed his unwavering support for the Bill. He further criticized Opposition leaders, alleging they are utilizing the Waqf Bill as a means to maintain their vote bank operations.

Poonawalla shared a video on his social media platform X.

"Kiren Rijiju held a press conference where he outlined how the Opposition favors confrontation rather than discussion. They choose dharnas and drama over dialogue. This was apparent during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, where it was decided that the Waqf Amendment Bill would be introduced in the Lok Sabha by the government tomorrow. However, the Opposition's goal is to engage in BBC (bhadkana (provoke), bahkana (mislead) and chillana (shout)). There is no space for constructive dialogue," he mentioned in a post on X.

He further condemned the Opposition parties, stating, "The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has claimed they will transform this into another Shaheen Bagh protest.

"The Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress endorse this narrative, with some suggesting it may incite civil unrest.

"These parties resort to unconstitutional methods to secure vote banks. They dismiss dialogue and prefer confrontation. However, if they engaged in dialogue, everything would be clarified."

Poonawalla further highlighted the support the Bill has received, stating, "Today, the amendment Bill is backed by Catholic organizations like KCBC and CBCI, and our community — the Aghakhani community — is at the forefront of this support. As a member of the Aghakhani community, I stand in favor of the Bill. Additionally, numerous Sajjadanashin and leaders of dargahs also support it."

He elaborated on the nature of the amendment, asserting, "Syed Naseruddin Chishti Sahib has presented his views on behalf of the Ajmer Dargah. This amendment is not about Hindu versus Muslim; it is focused on the welfare of poor Muslims. It targets wealthy Ashrafi Muslims who occupy Waqf land for commercial gain, denying the poor, widows, oppressed, and orphaned children their rightful benefits. Nevertheless, some are attempting to give it a communal slant, spreading false rumors."

Poonawalla drew comparisons with past controversies, stating, "The same individuals who spread misinformation regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)—claiming it would strip individuals of citizenship—are now asserting that the Bill will seize mosques and graveyards.

"However, the Bill hasn’t even been introduced yet. Once it’s presented, its stipulations will be transparent. The Home Minister has already clarified there will be no such clauses. Despite this, some are attempting to incite riots, evade meaningful discourse, and manipulate vote banks. I assert that they are merely using the Waqf Bill as a tool to operate their vote bank enterprise."

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, right after Question Hour. The discussion will be thorough, lasting up to eight hours.

Speaking to the Press, Rijiju stated, "Some members requested six hours, others preferred four. The Opposition demanded 12 hours, but we achieved a broad consensus for an eight-hour discussion. Depending on the House’s response, the Speaker may opt to extend the session."

The Lok Sabha is anticipated to experience a vigorous debate, with Opposition parties preparing a robust counter to the Bill. The tension was evident during the BAC meeting on Tuesday, as noted by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.