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Owaisi Criticizes Modi's Waqf Bill Amendment, Defends Muslim Rights Over Waqf Properties

  • 03 Nov 2024 03:39 AM
  • Asaduddin Owaisi, Waqf Bill, , AIMIM, TTD chairman,

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attempting to dilute the sanctity of Waqf properties through an amendment to the Waqf Bill. Owaisi expressed his concern over the perceived discrimination against Muslims regarding their personal and religious rights, particularly in the management of Waqf assets.

He welcomed the announcement from the TTD chairman, who stated an agenda to remove non-Hindus from the Board’s administration. Owaisi questioned why the central government does not extend similar provisions for the Waqf Board, highlighting a double standard in the treatment of religious boards.

Owaisi accused the Modi administration of trying to include non-Muslims in both the State Waqf Board and the Central Waqf Council. He criticized the proposal that would empower district collectors to reclaim Waqf properties, calling it "totally unacceptable." He argued that if Hindus can assert that their temple boards should consist only of Hindus, the same right should be afforded to Muslims concerning the Waqf Board.

Addressing allegations that Muslims are encroaching on government properties and falsely claiming them as Waqf assets, Owaisi defended the integrity of Waqf properties, stating, "These are donated to the Supreme Allah, and Muslims will not lie regarding those assets."

In response to questions about irregularities within the Waqf Board, he pointed out that misappropriations also occur within temple boards and the endowments department, emphasizing the need for accountability across all religious institutions.

Owaisi's statements call for a serious reevaluation of how religious properties are managed and urge authorities to take concrete steps to prevent discrimination based on religious beliefs.