Naseer Ahmed MLC & Political Secretary to CM Voices Strong Opposition to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Before Joint Parliamentary Committee in Bengaluru

Image Source : Naseer Ahmed Profile Pic | FB

Dated 1st October 2024

By B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

Bengaluru | A delegation of Muslim intellectuals, scholars and representatives of various organizations met with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Bengaluru. The JPC visited Bengaluru to hold informal discussions with stakeholders to refine the bill.

Naseer Ahmed, MLC and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, addressed the media after meeting with the JPC. He stated:

“We clearly expressed that the Karnataka government totally rejects this Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. We also mentioned that this amendment should have first been presented to the Central Waqf Council and discussed with our Muslim Personal Law Board and Islamic scholars before being brought forward.”

“Bringing this bill unilaterally is a major mistake. We also said that Muslims and people of other religions in India live together harmoniously, respecting each other. If this bill is passed, it will start many disputes and it is a conspiracy to create divisions among people. We are living peacefully with love and respect in India; do not try to ruin this coexistence.” Naseer Ahmed added.

He further said, “If this bill is implemented, it will create disputes at the village, tehsil and district levels, leading to significant harm. We strongly urged the withdrawal of this bill. The Chief Minister of Karnataka also stated that this bill should be totally rejected.”

The JPC held a series of meetings nationwide to gather input from government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members and community representatives across different cities. These consultations aim to ensure that the amendments to the Waqf Act are practical, effective and aligned with the community’s needs. The committee will submit its report to the Lok Sabha in the next parliamentary session.