BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya has voiced strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, stating that the bill is in favor of the Muslim community and will address long-standing issues related to the management of Waqf properties. In his remarks, Acharya highlighted the lack of proper auditing by the Waqf Board, the misuse of properties, and the need for reforms to ensure transparency and fairness.
“This Amendment Bill is in favour of the Muslims,” Acharya stated, framing the bill as a positive step for the community. He explained that as someone who owns a trust and is subject to audits, he found it concerning that the Waqf Board had previously been exempt from proper scrutiny. “I myself own a trust and I also have to go through an audit, then why was Waqf Board the only one not giving proper audits?” Acharya asked, underscoring the need for accountability in the management of religious and charitable institutions.
The BJP MLA further detailed instances where the Waqf Board had been accused of improper practices, claiming that lands were wrongfully claimed and hoardings were put up, asserting ownership over properties without proper justification. “There are multiple cases where Waqf Board used to put up hoardings claiming lands randomly… Even Muslims living in such lands used to get assaulted and thrown out,” he said, adding that the lands were often exploited for the personal gain of a few individuals, rather than benefiting the community.
Acharya also pointed out that the Waqf Amendment Bill has the support of the entire Muslim community and the Parliament, signaling broad backing for the reforms. “This Bill is supported by the entire Muslim community and Parliament,” he stated, emphasizing that the changes proposed in the bill will enable Muslims to be more integrated into the country’s progress.
He concluded by remarking that the Waqf Amendment Bill represents a significant shift for the Muslim community, which he claims had previously been suppressed under issues related to the Waqf Board and Personal Law Board. “Now the Muslims are becoming a part of the nation’s progress, while earlier they used to be suppressed under the issues like Waqf Board, Personal Law Board,” Acharya said, portraying the bill as a step toward empowering Muslims and allowing them to contribute more effectively to the country’s development.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which seeks to reform the management of Waqf properties, has generated significant debate across the political spectrum. Supporters, like Acharya, argue that the bill will promote transparency and equitable distribution of resources, while critics, particularly from opposition parties, express concerns about the potential impact on religious autonomy and community rights.
