Ajmer (Rajasthan) [India], April 2 : Chairman of All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council Syed Naseruddin Chishty on Wednesday expressed hope, saying the bill addresses objections from the opposition and will ensure Waqf funds reach poor Muslims
He stated, "People have been waiting for this for a long time. People are hopeful that a good bill will come... In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest, but I have come to know that the main objections raised by the opposition have been accepted by the government, so this will be a very good bill."
Chishty emphasised that the bill would ensure the proper distribution of Waqf funds, which would benefit the common and poor Muslims in India.
"Now the Waqf money will reach the common and poor Muslims," he said, highlighting his belief that the bill would lead to more transparency and accountability in managing Waqf resources.
Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has voiced its strong objection to the bill, with prominent leaders threatening to take legal action and stage a nationwide movement if the bill is passed.
AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas condemned the bill, stating, "If this bill is passed in the Parliament, then we will start a nationwide movement against it. We won't sit quietly. We will make use of all legal and constitutional provisions available to us. We will run a peaceful agitation until the proposed amendments are taken back."
Ilyas described the bill as discriminatory and communally motivated, adding, "Sadly, the points made by Opposition members were also not taken into consideration by the JPC."
The controversy surrounding the bill stems from concerns that it may negatively impact the management and autonomy of Waqf properties, which are meant to benefit the Muslim community.
Ilyas further emphasized that the bill is seen as an attack on the rights of Muslims, alleging that it fails to address the community's concerns.
Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, also raised objections to the bill.
He said, "With the amendments approved by the JPC, the matter has become more complicated. JPC mahaz ek fareb hai aur ek dhokha hai (JPC is just a hoax and a fraud)."