Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) K Kavitha has strongly opposed the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating that the party will resist it in Parliament. She accused the central government of attempting to take control of Waqf properties and assured the Muslim community of BRS’s continued support.
Speaking at an Iftar gathering in Banswada, Kavitha reiterated BRS’s commitment to the empowerment of minorities, particularly the Muslim community, which she acknowledged as a key supporter during the Telangana movement. She emphasized the importance of peace and harmony in the state and across the country.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by the central government, seeks to address long-standing issues of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments in Waqf properties. The bill proposes several reforms, including digitization of records, stricter audits, improved transparency, and legal provisions to reclaim illegally occupied properties. However, the bill has sparked strong opposition from various quarters, including political parties and religious organizations.
A day before Kavitha’s statement, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide protest against the bill. The board had earlier staged a large demonstration in Delhi on March 17 and is now mobilizing support across the country. According to AIMPLB’s Office Secretary Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, the board views the proposed amendments as an infringement on the rights of the Muslim community.
Amid the growing controversy, the government has formed a Joint Parliamentary Committee to review the bill and consult with experts and stakeholders. While the government maintains that the bill is aimed at protecting Waqf assets and ensuring better governance, critics argue that it could lead to excessive state control over religious properties.
With opposition parties, religious groups, and activists voicing their concerns, the debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is expected to intensify in the coming days. BRS’s firm stance against the legislation signals a broader political battle over the future of Waqf governance in India.
