Congress Leader Gaurav Gogoi’s 4D Attack On Waqf Amendment Bill; Alleges Centre Wants To ‘Divide, Dillute, Defame & Defranchise’ | (Photo Courtesy: X/Altered by FPJ)
New Delhi: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the parliament for its passage and discussion on Wednesday, April 2. In a heated debate during the session, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi launched a staunch defence against the Centre’s proposed changes to the Waqf Act, calling them “discriminatory and regressive.”
He also accused the BJP-led government of trying to “defame, dillute, defranchise, and defame the minorities” and staging a “4D assault on the Constitution”.
Gogoi Challenged Rijiju’s ‘False Allegations’ Against UPA Govt
During the parliamentary discussion, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly criticised the outgoing UPA government’s 2014 decision to denotify 123 prime properties in Delhi and their transfer to the Waqf board.
Rebutting Rijiju’s statements, Gogoi accused him of making baseless claims and added, “What Kiren Rijiju said about the 2013 UPA was completely false, and I demand him to authenticate it.” He also raised concerns about the government’s removal of the Waqf user, referring to the Ayodhya judgment, asserting that the government is attempting to undermine judicial rulings, as well.
Have a look at his statement here:
Concerns Over Limited Women Representation in Waqf Board
Gogoi further pointed out the limitations the proposed bill places on women’s representation in the Waqf Board. He emphasised that the 1995 Waqf Act already allowed the inclusion of two women, with a provision to appoint more if required.
However, he added that the 2024 amendment reduces this provision to the inclusion of a maximum of just two women. “The 1995 Act allowed the appointment of more than two women to the board, yet this new bill restricts it,” Gogoi added, accusing the government of regressing on gender inclusion within the Waqf institutions.
Gogoi Alleged Lack of Consultation in Key Meetings
Gogoi also raised concerns over the Centre’s failure to hold meaningful discussions on the Waqf Amendment Bill during consultation meetings with stakeholders. He alleged that despite four meetings held by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, nobody addressed the key issues surrounding the bill.
He also raised alarm over a provision in the bill which requires individuals to prove that they practice Islam to access Waqf properties. “The condition has worsened to the point that now people will have to give a certificate of the religion they follow,” Gogoi added. He also questioned if other religious communities would be required to provide similar certificates in the future.
Gogoi Warns of Potential Religious Encroachment
Gogoi further warned that the Centre’s move to alter the Waqf Act was part of a broader agenda to encroach upon the properties of Muslims. He criticised the government’s claim that the High Court has no role in Waqf disputes, pointing out that the parent Act explicitly allows for suo-motu cases by the court. “They are trying to create fear among the community, and this is an attack on the rights of minorities,” Gogoi added.
Referencing the government’s stance on preventing Muslims from praying on public roads during Eid, Gogoi accused them of being anti-minority and pandering to anti-Muslim sentiments. “Congress stands against such restrictions, and we believe that all religious communities should be able to practice their faith freely,” Gogoi said.
