Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill on Friday morning. While the Congress has indicated it will challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has declined to do so. The opposition is opposing the bill.
Waqf Bill: The Waqf Amendment Bill has been passed by both houses of Parliament after lengthy debates and opposition. However, the opposition appears divided on the issue. Disagreements within the I.N.D.I.A alliance have become apparent. While the Congress and DMK are preparing to challenge the bill in the Supreme Court, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is against approaching the Supreme Court.
MP Files Petition
Kishanganj Congress MP Mohammad Javed has challenged the bill in the Supreme Court. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that the party will file a petition in the Supreme Court soon. The Congress claims the bill is an attempt to seize Muslim property and rights.
'Our Work is Done, We Won't Go to Court' - Sanjay Raut
On this issue, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut stated that he bly opposed the bill in Parliament and that chapter is now closed for him. He said, "We have presented our arguments in both houses; this file is closed for us. We will not go to the Supreme Court.”
'Questioning the Government's Intentions; This Bill is a Commercial Endeavor'
Raut termed the bill a "commercial endeavor" and said the government's aim is not to protect Muslim interests but to seize Waqf properties. He alleged that the government is interested in the approximately ₹2 lakh crore worth of Waqf properties, which comprise valuable lands and assets.
'Grabbing Waqf Land is the Real Agenda'
Raut said that the government becomes greedy when it sees land. He stated, "The purpose of this bill is not to take care of Muslims, but to grab their land. The government is viewing Waqf properties as an opportunity and may soon seize them.”
