Waqf bill BJP's attempt to demonise minorities: Congress

NEW DELHI: Calling the Waqf Amendment Bill an assault on the Constitution, Congress on Sunday said the legislation is part of continuing attempts by BJP to demonise minorities by spreading propaganda against their traditions to keep society in a permanent state of polarisation. It said the bill seeks to dilute constitutional provisions that guarantee equal rights and protection to all citizens, regardless of religion.

As Centre prepares to bring the bill for discussion and passage in Parliament, Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh listed five reasons why it is "deeply flawed".

He said the legislation reduces in stature, composition and authority all institutions created by previous laws to administer waqfs to deliberately deprive the "community" the right to administer its own religious traditions and affairs. "Deliberate ambiguity has been introduced for determining who can donate their land for waqf purposesthus altering the very definition of waqf itself," he said. Ramesh said the 'waqf-by-user' concept developed by the nation's judiciary is being abolished.

"Provisions in existing law are being removed to weaken administration of the waqf. Enhanced defences are being introduced to protect those who have encroached on waqf lands," he alleged.

"Far-reaching powers have been given to the collector and other designated state govt officers on matters related to disputes concerning waqf properties as well as their registration. ," he said.

Ramesh said a 428-page report was bulldozed through the JPC without any detailed clause by clause discussion. "Most fundamentally, the bill is an assault on the Constitution itself," he said.