BSP chief Mayawati has strongly criticized both the central and Uttar Pradesh governments for their involvement in religious matters, particularly regarding the recently introduced Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Mayawati condemned what she describes as the governments’ “forceful interference” in the affairs of mosques, madrasas, and Waqf institutions, asserting that such actions contravene the Constitution’s principles of secularism.
In a series of posts on X, Mayawati argued that the bill, which was presented in the Lok Sabha, should be thoroughly examined by the Standing Committee of the House before any further legislative action. She expressed concern over the government’s alleged excessive interest in religious matters, which she believes is driven by narrow and selfish political motives. Mayawati emphasized that this focus on religion and caste by the Congress and BJP has overshadowed more pressing issues such as reservation, poverty, unemployment, inflation, and overall backwardness.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the current Waqf Act by removing Section 40, which pertains to the board’s authority to determine Waqf property. It also seeks to broaden the composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards, ensuring the inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in these bodies. Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a separate board for the Bohras and Aghakhanis, and aims to define ‘Waqf’ more clearly. The bill also intends to streamline the registration of Waqfs through a central database and establish a more detailed procedure for property mutation in line with revenue laws.
Mayawati’s call for a detailed review of the bill reflects broader concerns about the balance between governmental intervention and constitutional secularism. The proposed changes, which include significant administrative and regulatory adjustments, have sparked a debate about the role of the state in religious affairs and the potential impact on various communities.
