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Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren on Wednesday stated that he would never support the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in parliament, according to a press release from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
As per the release, CM Soren made this remark during a meeting with a delegation from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, led by its president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah. "We will never support the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in parliament, if presented," said CM Soren. The Chief Minister explained to Maulana Saifullah that his opposition to the bill stemmed from how it "weakens and dilutes the Waqf Act and paves the way for the usurpation of Waqf properties," according to the press release. "He also stated that this move by the central government is against the Constitution, democratic values, federalism, and the pluralistic structure of the country," the release added. The press release further noted that Maulana Mohd. Fazlur Raheem Mujaddidi, General Secretary of the Muslim Personal Law Board, introduced the board to the Chief Minister and briefed him on various provisions of the bill. S. Q. R. Ilyas, an executive member of the board, reiterated their stance and urged the Chief Minister, saying, "As a voice for tribals and marginalised sections, we expect you to stand with us in our fight against the suppression of minorities." CM Soren assured the delegation, saying, "I have always supported the just causes of Muslims and will continue to do so. I will take all necessary measures to ensure that this malicious bill is not passed in parliament. Tomorrow, we will pass a resolution in our cabinet opposing the bill," as per the release. Hafizul Hasan Ansari, Minister of Minority Affairs, accompanied the Chief Minister during the discussions. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 8 August and was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after a heated debate. The bill addresses reforms and regulations concerning Waqf properties, which play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the Muslim community. The Waqf Act, 1995, was created to regulate Waqf properties, but it has long been plagued by allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to introduce sweeping reforms, including digitisation, stricter audits, transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)
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