"Corruption Eating Into Nation Like Termites": Kangana Ranaut On Waqf Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill, recently passed in the Lok Sabha, has sparked intense debate and controversy across India. The bill aims to regulate Waqf properties, which are endowments made for charitable or religious purposes under Islamic law. Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP, has been vocal in her support for the bill, emphasizing its role in combating corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of Waqf properties.

Kangana Ranaut's Perspective

Ranaut views the bill as a significant step towards legal accountability, highlighting that no institution or individual should be above the Constitution. She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in addressing inefficiencies and ensuring accountability in various sectors, including the management of Waqf properties. Ranaut noted that corruption, akin to termites, had been eroding the system, and the bill would help eradicate such malpractices by introducing a regulatory framework for Waqf properties.

The bill's passage is seen as a historic moment by Ranaut, who believes it will optimize the vast Waqf land holdings and ensure that these properties are managed effectively. She emphasized that the regulatory bodies, including district collectors, will now actively address issues related to Waqf properties, ensuring they are used for their intended purposes rather than being misappropriated.

Opposition's Criticism

Despite Ranaut's support, the bill has faced strong opposition from various quarters. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi described it as a "brazen assault" on the Constitution, accusing the BJP of using it to fuel polarization in society. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticized the bill, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on Muslims' rights. He argued that the bill could lead to non-Muslims administering Waqf properties, which he believes is against the principles of natural justice and violates Articles 14, 25, and 26 of the Constitution.

Other opposition members, such as TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, have expressed concerns that the bill breaches Muslims' constitutional right to perform religious duties. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has announced plans to challenge the bill in court, further highlighting the contentious nature of the legislation.

Government's Position

The government maintains that the bill is designed to improve the management of Waqf properties by streamlining the registration process and enhancing the role of technology in administration. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the bill accepted all recommendations, which were then incorporated into the legislation. This move is seen as an effort to ensure that the bill is comprehensive and addresses long-standing issues in Waqf property management.

Implications and Future

The Waqf Amendment Bill's passage in the Lok Sabha marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over religious and charitable endowments in India. While supporters like Kangana Ranaut view it as a crucial step towards accountability and transparency, opponents see it as an attempt to undermine minority rights and fuel societal divisions.

As the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha for consideration, it is likely to face further scrutiny and debate. The government will need to address the concerns raised by opposition parties and ensure that the legislation aligns with constitutional principles while effectively addressing corruption and inefficiencies in Waqf property management.

Ultimately, the bill's impact will depend on how it is implemented and whether it achieves its intended goals of improving governance and accountability without infringing on religious rights. The ongoing political discourse surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill reflects broader tensions between governance, religious freedom, and societal harmony in India.

written by HexaHome