JDU engaged in damage control on Waqf

The BJP-led central government called the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha historic. But this was not very good for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JDU. Five senior leaders of the Janata Dal (United) offered their resignations expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s stand on the Waqf Amendment Bill. Nadeem Akhtar is the fifth and the latest resignation in the list of leaders who have resigned from the party. Earlier, Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Aligarh, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Mohammad Qasim Ansari had broken ties with the party. However, JDU is now engaged in damage control. Muslim leaders held a press conference on Saturday. During this, three Muslim leaders of the party were also present who were constantly opposing the Waqf. Shia Waqf Board Chairman Afzal Abbas, JDU Minority Cell Chairman Ashraf Ansari, MLC Ghulam Gaus, former Rajya Sabha MP Ashfaq Karim, Sunni Waqf Board Chairman Anjum Ara, Kahkasha Parveen and Salim Parvez attended this PC. JDU leader Anjum Ara said that JDU had presented five suggestions or conditions, which were accepted in the Waqf Amendment Bill. First- Land is a state matter, so it should remain a priority in the laws as well. Second- This law should be effective prospectively, not retrospectively. Third- If a religious institution is established on a non-registered Waqf property, it will not be tampered with. Fourth- An officer above the District Magistrate should be authorized to resolve disputes related to Waqf properties. Fifth- The 6-month time limit given in the bill to register the Waqf Board properties on the digital portal should be extended. We agreed on the Waqf Amendment Bill only after these suggestions were accepted. JD(U) MLC Khalid Anwar said that we sent our concerns and all our concerns were answered appropriately and we have put forth a transparent stand before the public. JD(U) is a secular, liberal and democratic party and all its leaders stand firmly with Nitish Kumar. No Muslim leader will leave the party. Meanwhile, the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The opposition has called it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional”, with Congress and AIMIM leaders moving the Supreme Court against the Waqf Amendment Bill.