War Of Words Ensues Between Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Over Lok Sabha Speaker's Rights

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav today claimed that the rights of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla are being diminished and suggested that the Opposition may need to stand up for him.

Speaking during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Yadav stated, "Your rights and our rights are being curtailed. I had told you that you are the judge of democracy. I have heard that some of your rights are being snatched, and we would have to fight for you."

This drew a sharp response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who quickly rebutted Yadav's remarks. Shah said, "This is an insult of the Chair. The rights of the Speaker do not belong to the Opposition, but to the whole House. Don't speak in a roundabout way. You are not the protector of the Speaker's rights."

Later, Speaker Om Birla also addressed the issue, reminding Yadav and the other members of the House not to make comments about the Chair, saying, "This is my expectation, no personal remarks should be made on the Chair."

Akhilesh Yadav voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, arguing that it is part of a "well-thought-out politics" by the ruling party. He questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies, stating, "When there is a democratic process for election, why nominate people? No person from outside the community is part of other religious bodies.

What is the point of including non-Muslims in Waqf bodies?"

Yadav suggested that the BJP introduced this legislation to appease certain hardline supporters after facing setbacks in the Lok Sabha election.

Opposition parties united to challenge the legislation, which seeks to address various issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, the registration and survey of Waqf properties, and the removal of encroachment.

The Bill proposes amendments to 44 sections of the 1995 Waqf Act, including mandates for the inclusion of two women on both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards, the protection of women's inheritances, and the use of Waqf Board funds for the welfare of widows, divorcees, and orphans as directed by the government.

The inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies remains a particularly contentious aspect of the proposed law.