Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again criticised the misuse of Waqf properties, justifying the Centre’s move to amend the Waqf law. Addressing a rally in Haryana’s Hisar PM Modi said, “There are lakhs of hectares of land registered under Waqf. This land should have been used for the welfare of the poor, helpless women, and children. If it had been used honestly, my Muslim youth wouldn’t have to make a living by fixing punctures. But instead, only a handful of land mafias have benefitted from these properties.”
PM Modi added that the changes brought by his government to the Waqf law were on the lines of the Constitution's spirit created by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. PM Modi said, "The new provisions will also honour the sacred spirit of Waqf. The poor and Pasmanda families of the Muslim community, Muslim women, especially Muslim widows, and Muslim children will receive their rights, and their rights will be safeguarded in the future. This is exactly what Baba Saheb Ambedkar intended when he created the Constitution's spirit for us to follow"
Congress’ Opposition
Congress continues to oppose the Modi government’s move on Waqf law. Congress MP Imran Masood has reiterated that the move is against the constitution and said, “You (BJP) are insulting the Constitution the most. By bringing the Waqf Amendment Act, you have trampled the Constitution. You have completely abolished Sections 25 and 26 of the Constitution. You had talked about changing the entire Constitution, but you did not get the opportunity as you did not cross 400 seats.”
Waqf Law Against Constitution: Farooq
National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah has also called the law unconstitutional. He said, “This Bill is against the Constitution. The Speaker (of J&K Assembly) made a good decision of not allowing discussion on this as the matter is in the Supreme Court. We can talk about this after the Supreme Court’s decision. The Opposition here is only meant to do opposition; it is not a healthy criticism.”
His son and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also reiterated the stance and said, “My party has already filed a petition in front of the Supreme Court… We believe that this piece of legislation has targeted one particular religion… Let the Supreme Court adjudicate.”
