Shafaqna India: Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, has criticized the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the NDA government of trying to undermine the secular fabric of India and stir up religious tensions.
Yadav made these comments after meeting with representatives from various Muslim organizations at his residence on Friday.
“We strongly oppose this unconstitutional and unnecessary amendment bill introduced by the NDA government. It aims to disrupt the country’s secular fabric and incite religious discord,” Yadav stated.
His remarks highlight significant political resistance to the bill, which some view as a potential threat to communal harmony in India.
Emphasizing his party’s ongoing dedication to minority rights, Yadav noted that both he and his party leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav, have always been attentive to minority issues and oppose any governmental interference in religious matters.
“The proposed amendments would adversely affect not only the religious, cultural, and property rights of Muslims but also those of other religious communities, creating a troubling precedent,” Yadav added.
He assured the Muslim organizations that he and his party are steadfast in their opposition to the bill. He also criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for supporting the proposed changes, declaring, “We will fight this bill on all fronts and ensure it does not pass Parliament. It is regrettable that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar supports this bill.”
The Waqf Amendment Bill, introduced during Parliament’s budget session, suggests several major changes, including allowing the appointment of a non-Muslim chief executive officer and at least two non-Muslim members to state-level Waqf boards. The bill also proposes giving the District Collector the authority to determine whether a property is Waqf property or government land.
