Karnataka Assembly Passes Resolution Against Centre's Waqf Amendment Bill

The Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. According to news agency ANI, the bill was tabled by the state's law minister, HK Patil.

Earlier, H K Patil in a statement said that the house unanimously rejected the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 as it is completelt against the universal aspirations of the people of the state and has urged the centre to withdraw the legislation.

Photo Credit: PTI

"This Act does not reflect aspirations and opportunities of all sections of the people of the country. This House unanimously rejects the amendment to the Waqf Act as it is an Act that is completely against the universal aspirations and aspirations of the people of Karnataka and the secular principles. In this context, this House unanimously requests the Central Government to take action without delay to respect the unanimous views of the country by immediately withdrawing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024," he said.

Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat earlier in the day urged the central government to remain receptive to the objections raised by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saying that efforts must be made to reach a "minimum agreement".

"The Muslim Personal Law Board is an umbrella organisation of the minorities. If it says something, it should be taken seriously. If something is done that the minorities don't agree with, we should try to reach at least a minimum agreement so that they don't feel unheard. The country must ensure an emotion of generosity instead of narrowness," Rawat, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister, told ANI.

Owaisi's Message to Naidu, Chirag Paswan

On Monday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated that the bill is being brought to take away mosques from Muslims. He also advised Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Nitish Kumar not to support the bill. Owaisi warned that if they support the bill, Muslims in India would remember it as long as the world exists.

Owaisi said, "We are questioning Chandrababu Naidu, Paswan Sahib, and Nitish Kumar. Remember, as long as the world remains, Muslims will never forgive you if you support this bill at this critical time. Because of your support, this law will be passed, so we are also telling them not to support this unconstitutional bill."

He accused the bill of being aimed at taking away mosques, dargahs, and graves from Muslims. He raised the question that if non-Sikhs or non-Hindus cannot become members of gurdwaras or temples, why can a non-Muslim become a part of a waqf? He added that if Narendra Modi wants to disturb the peace in the country and escalate disputes over temples and mosques, it will be his responsibility.

Owaisi further claimed that through this bill, waqf by user will be eliminated. If there is any dispute or government property is not involved, waqf by user will no longer be applicable.

He mentioned that there are 123 Waqf properties in Delhi, and the Delhi government claims that these are government properties. Giving powers to the collector means that the collector will make decisions in favor of the government.