Patna November 27, 2024: The MLAs of the Grand Alliance protested in and outside the Bihar Assembly over the Wakf Amendment Bill on Wednesday.
The opposition MLAs sought a debate on the Wakf Amendment Bill, signalling concerns over its implications. Members of the Grand Alliance labelled the government as autocratic and disrupted proceedings.
Speaker refused discussion on this matter demanded by the Grand Alliance MLAs:
However, their demand was met with refusal by Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, who argued that the issue pertains to the central government and is outside the purview of the state legislature.
This sparked an uproar, with opposition members accusing the state government of being dictatorial. The speaker of the house has finally adjourned the house till 2 pm.
The Wakf Amendment Bill 2024 has become a significant point of contention in Bihar, triggering strong protests and political debate in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
Before the assembly session, MLAs from the Grand Alliance (RJD, Congress, and left parties) staged a protest against the Wakf Amendment Bill, carrying banners and posters inside the assembly premises.
The opposition is vehemently opposed to the Bill, which is set to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of the Parliament. They argue that the bill seeks to undermine the management and control of Wakf properties, which are designated for the welfare of the Muslim community.
RJD legislators claimed it is an important issue:
RJD MLA and Chief Whip Akhtarul Islam Shahin led the charge, demanding that the Central Government withdraw the bill.
“Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should speak out against it and pass a resolution in the state assembly condemning the bill. The central government is attempting the bill. The central government is attempting to usurp Wakf properties,” Sahin said.
In stark contrast, BJP MLA Haribhusan Thakur Bachaul, defended the bill, accusing the Grand Alliance of engaging in “appeasement politics.”
“The opposition was inflating the issue to cater to certain political constituencies. They are doing ‘Land Jihad’ in the name of the Wakf Board and that the NDA, including Nitish Kumar’s party, would support the Wakf Amendment Bill in Parliament,” Bachaul said.
Details of the Wakf Amendment Bill 2024:
The Wakf Amendment Bill 2024, set to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament, aims to amend the management and protection of Wakf properties. According to the Central Government, the bill seeks to prevent the misuse of these properties and ensure their proper management for public welfare. The government argues that this amendment is necessary to curb the alleged misuse of Wakf assets for purposes other than those intended.
Political Context:
This issue has become a flashpoint in Indian politics, especially within the context of the upcoming 2024 elections. The debate surrounding the Wakf Amendment Bill has already sparked protests from various quarters, including the INDIA Alliance (a coalition of opposition parties), as well as Muslim organizations, who view the bill as a threat to the rights of religious minorities.
The political tussle over the bill in Bihar reflects the broader national debate. The opposition sees this as another move by the Central Government to centralize control over Wakf properties, while the BJP frames it as a necessary reform to prevent mismanagement.
Bihar’s Political Landscape;
In Bihar, the Grand Alliance’s strong opposition to the bill comes as part of their strategy to challenge the NDA’s (National Democratic Alliance) policies at both the state and national levels. The sharp contrast between the Grand Alliance and the BJP on this issue exemplifies the growing polarization in Bihar’s political environment, where religion, welfare policies, and minority rights are often used as key political tools.
As the Wakf Amendment Bill heads to Parliament, the protests in Bihar and other states will likely continue, adding another layer to the intense political discourse.
Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav slammed the BJP on the Wakf amendment bill.
EOM.