Dilip Jaiswal Asserts Waqf Bill Promotes Social Justice, Yet Concerns Arise from Bihar's Muslim Leaders
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Synopsis
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill sparks a divided opinion in Bihar, where BJP leaders support it for social justice, while many Muslim leaders express significant concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Dilip Jaiswal claims the bill promotes social justice.
- Opposition arises from various Muslim leaders and groups.
- Political divisions within JDU due to party loyalty.
- Former MP Ahmad Ashfaque Karim urges opposition to protect minorities.
- Speculation grows over RJD capitalizing on dissent.
Patna, April 2 (NationPress) The discussion surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is currently captivating the Lok Sabha, revealing a divided political atmosphere in Bihar.
While the BJP and its allies are staunch advocates of the bill, numerous Muslim leaders from the Janata Dal (United) and various religious groups have expressed their dissent.
Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal contended that the bill is a step towards achieving social justice in India. “The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) gathered feedback from millions of individuals nationwide. The bill has been crafted based on this feedback and is intended to promote social justice. The opposition is misleading the public regarding its intentions,” he stated to IANS.
Santosh Kumar Suman, national president of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Bihar Cabinet Minister, echoed this view. “All constructive suggestions from the JPC have been included. The bill seeks to manage waqf properties without adversely impacting any community. The NDA is collectively supportive of this bill.”
Nonetheless, even with JDU’s formal endorsement of the bill, several Muslim leaders remain silent due to party loyalty.
JDU MLC Ghulam Gaus recently met with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav during Eid, fueling speculation about internal dissent within the party.
Numerous Muslim leaders and religious organizations across Bihar have voiced strong opposition to the bill.
Former JDU Rajya Sabha MP Ahmad Ashfaque Karim called on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to oppose the bill. “Nitish Kumar has always championed the cause of Muslims. He should oppose this bill to protect minority rights,” Karim remarked, noting that he previously discussed this with the Chief Minister.
Amir Anisur Rahman Qasmi, Secretary of Imarat-e-Sharia, also registered his opposition. “If the government intervenes in one faith today, others will inevitably follow. Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu must resist this bill,” he cautioned.
As JDU’s Muslim leaders face a difficult decision—whether to adhere to party lines or dissent—political analysts are eager to observe if RJD will leverage this dissent to attract minority votes.
