By The Sampadak Express
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the BJP-led government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, alleging that the legislation aims to seize waqf properties. Speaking on Saturday, Owaisi accused the ruling government of acting like “looters” and claimed that the bill should be renamed the “Looters (Amendment) Law.”
Owaisi raised concerns about the removal of the survey commissioner, a senior official, questioning the BJP and NDA governments’ intent behind the move. “They are working to confiscate waqf properties. This move is purely for looting,” he said. The AIMIM leader also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks that legal appeals cannot be made against waqf tribunal decisions. Owaisi dismissed this claim as false, pointing out that several tribunals, such as the Income Tax Tribunal and Railway Claims Tribunal, allow review petitions in high courts. “Can you not challenge an Income Tax Tribunal ruling? Amit Shah is misleading the country,” he added.
Furthermore, Owaisi argued that the proposed bill violates constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 26, and 29, which guarantee equality, freedom of religion, and cultural rights, respectively.
Amit Shah Defends Waqf (Amendment) Bill
On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that it is in alignment with the Constitution and does not infringe upon the rights of Muslims. Speaking at the Times Now Summit 2025, Shah dismissed the opposition’s claims as “misleading,” assuring that the amendments are not designed to curtail any rights.
He reiterated that the bill, which was initially referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in August 2024, will be reintroduced in the current Parliament session, which is set to conclude on April 3. “The opposition is deceiving Muslims. No rights are being taken away; they are spreading falsehoods,” Shah declared.
The debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill continues to fuel political tensions, with both Owaisi and Shah holding firm on their respective positions.
