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The West Bengal Jamiat-e-Ulama on Thursday organised a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, introduced by the Central government and currently under consideration by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Maulana Siddiqullah Chowdhury, president of the West Bengal Jamiat-e-Ulama, told ANI that the Centre has directly attacked the Constitution by introducing the Waqf Bill. "The Constitution of India grants everyone the freedom to raise their voice against attempts to undermine it. Through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Central government has directly attacked the Constitution. They are attempting to strip Muslims of their rights and destroy Waqf properties. They should not play with fire. This is not under the Prime Minister's authority. Hindus possess ten times more property, yet they are targeting only Muslims. We oppose this bill and demand its withdrawal. The Central government is communal; they aim to weaken and divide the country," said Siddiqullah Chowdhury. Earlier today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the bill as "anti-federal" during a session of the state's assembly. "There was no consultation with us (state governments) regarding the Waqf Bill. It will devastate Waqf properties. Why have they proposed such a bill that is clearly against one particular religion? This is an anti-federal bill," stated CM Banerjee during the assembly session. Notably, the Lok Sabha on Thursday adopted a motion to extend the term of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with a directive to present their report at the end of the 2025 budget session. JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal noted that during the committee's meeting on Wednesday, it was highlighted that disputes exist between state governments and Waqf boards in six states over property ownership. As a result, the JPC requested an extension. "The Speaker had mandated the JPC to address these issues, but in the meeting yesterday, it was observed that there are certain properties claimed by Waqf boards that are contested by state governments. These disputes involve six states. We had sought responses from these states but have yet to receive them," Pal told ANI. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is now expected to be tabled during the final week of the 2025 budget session. (ANI)
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