Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Defends Waqf Amendment Bill, Urges Muslim Community to Support

  • April 1, 2025, 2:34 p.m.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has voiced strong support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, asserting that the legislation is designed to benefit ordinary Muslims and ensure that Waqf properties are used more effectively for the welfare of the community. In his comments, Athawale accused the Opposition of deliberately misleading the Muslim population regarding the intentions behind the bill.

"This bill is in favour of common Muslims. The Opposition is deliberately misleading them," Athawale said, addressing concerns raised by various political leaders. "The Waqf Board has always been in the hands of a few people, which does not benefit poor Muslims. The government's intention is that all Muslims should benefit from the properties of the Waqf Board," he explained.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, which is currently under discussion in Parliament, aims to reform the management and utilization of Waqf properties—religious, charitable, and educational assets owned by the Muslim community. Proponents of the bill, like Athawale, argue that the reform will ensure greater transparency and accountability in the management of these properties, which in turn will help provide greater benefits for the Muslim community, particularly its economically disadvantaged members.

Athawale further emphasized that the bill’s primary goal is to democratize access to Waqf properties, which have historically been controlled by a small group of individuals. "The government wants to ensure that these properties are used for the benefit of all Muslims, not just a few," he added.

Athawale appealed directly to the Muslim community, urging them to disregard the opposition's criticisms and to support the bill. "So my request to all the people of the Muslim community is that this bill is not against them. It is for their betterment and to help the poor and marginalized sections of the community," he said.

While the bill has received backing from BJP leaders, it has also faced strong opposition, with critics questioning its potential impact on the autonomy of Waqf institutions and the effectiveness of the proposed reforms. Some have expressed concerns about possible political interference in the management of Waqf properties, while others argue that the bill could undermine the religious and cultural significance of these assets.

As discussions surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill continue to unfold, the government remains firm in its stance that the legislation will provide greater benefits for the Muslim community as a whole, particularly its underprivileged members. Whether the bill can garner widespread support or if it will face further opposition remains to be seen.

 

 

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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