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In response to the ongoing criticism from certain Muslim organisations and opposition parties regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formulated a strategy to allay any fears of the Muslim community.
The party aims to present the correct picture of the amendment and the government's intentions to the Muslim community, especially those connected to the Waqf Board or knowledgeable about Waqf matters. Additionally, these individuals are encouraged to attend the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meetings to present their perspective on the bill. According to sources, BJP's National General Secretary (Organization), B L Santosh, held an important meeting on Tuesday at the party headquarters. The meeting was attended by current and former chairpersons of Waqf Boards from various states, along with experts on Waqf matters. Dushyant Gautam, BJP's National General Secretary, and National President of BJP Minority Morcha Jamal Siddiqui were also present at the meeting. Other key attendees included leaders of the various states who are involved in the Waqf board matters. Shadab Shams, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Waqf Board; Sanawar Patel, Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board; Chaudhary Zakir Hussain, Administrator of the Haryana Waqf Board; Maulana Habib Haider, Shia cleric and BJP Minority Morcha National Executive Member; Nisar Hussain, BJP Minority Morcha National Executive Member and Waqf expert; Mohammad Haroon, former member of the Waqf Council, among others were present. Gujarat Waqf Board Chairman, Mohsin Lokhandwala, and former Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman, Mohammad Rajbali, were also supposed to attend the meeting but were unable to do so due to other commitments. According to sources, senior BJP leaders emphasised the importance of BJP-affiliated Muslim community members, particularly those connected to the Waqf Board, attending the JPC meetings to present their viewpoints. The meeting also highlighted the need to counter the atmosphere of confusion and fear being created within the Muslim community regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. The attendees were encouraged to communicate the government's positive intentions, the benefits of the bill, and how the amendment could significantly benefit underprivileged Muslims and Muslim women. The plan is for these individuals to engage in discussions with Muslim scholars, influential figures, and the general Muslim populace across the country. The Centre had referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced in Parliament during the Budget Session to the JPC. (ANI)
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