Gehlot criticises waqf bill, others highlight benefits

Jaipur: Former CM Ashok Gehlot labelled the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, as a diversion from essential concerns like inflation and unemployment. He said it was aimed at inspiring fear in the minds of the Muslim minorities.Referring to the govt's tendency to introduce minority-focused legislation to divert attention from pressing issues, including inflation, unemployment, stock market conditions, and currency value decline, Gehlot said, "This was also observed during the CAA, as the law was enacted in 2020, but its rules were formulated in 2024. However, the issue was repeatedly raised to gain political advantage, causing tension across the country. There was no need for a new law on waqf, but it was created to distract the majority from important issues, instill fear among minority groups, and create tension between the two communities."AIMPLB member Samra Sultana also opposed the Bill. "We strongly oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, as we (Muslims) see it as discriminatory, unconstitutional, and a threat to our religious sites. This bill appears to be part of a broader pattern of marginalising Muslims and undermining our religious and cultural heritage. We strongly reject it," she said.Chittorgarh MP CP Joshi, however, supported the bill, noting constitutional flaws in the previous legislation. Joshi said Congress opposed various national interest decisions and said waqf holds significant land, second only to military and railways, without proper auditing, citing Sachar Committee's concerns about possible irregularities.Rajasthan BJP Minority Morcha president Hameed Khan Mewati, meanwhile, reported substantial Muslim community support, highlighting Bill's capacity to address property irregularities. He detailed the bill's advantages, including preventing illegal occupation, increasing revenue for welfare schemes, enhancing financial monitoring, and building public trust in waqf management.