BRS opposes Waqf Bill; YSRCP, BJD leave it to their Rajya Sabha members to decide their vote

All the parties have questioned inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Boards and interference by the government in administering the Waqf properties

The non-INDIA bloc Opposition parties – Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) – opposed the Waqf (amendment) Bill 2025 in Rajya Sabha objecting to the clauses concerning inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board, restriction on donation of property only by individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years and interference by the government.

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The three parties together have 18 members in the Upper House. Out of the three parties, the BJD and the YSRCP did not issue a whip leaving it to their members to decide their vote on the Bill. 

YSR Congress MP Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy countered the government’s claim that wide consultations were conducted. The concerns expressed by several Muslim organisation, Mr. Reddy said, met with indifference. He also used the opportunity to attack political rival TDP, accusing them of failing to safeguard the interests of 50 lakh Muslims in Andhra Pradesh. The bill, Mr. Reddy said it is unconstitutional since it infringes on fundamental rights. “Inclusion on non-Muslims in the Waqf Board is a direct infringement on the autonomy of the boards. The bill also cripples the financial stability of the Waqf Boards,” Mr. Reddy said.

He added that the restriction on donation of property, with the new clause, that only a person who has been practicing Islam for at least five years is unjust.

BJD MP Muzibulla Khan said Muslims across the country are tense anticipating trouble with the provision allowing inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. “We don’t know what these non-Muslims will do,” Mr. Khan said. This anxiety, he said, is because of the fear instilled in the minds of the Muslims because of the treatment meted out to them.

“We do not always have places to pray. Processions of all religions go through the road. But we regularly see that a Muslim is beaten up for reading namaz. This feeling of fear has to be addressed,” Mr. Khan said. He further questioned the clause that only a person practicing Islam for at least five years can donate. He asked, “Now where will we bring the proof of being a Muslim. Do we wear a cap or grow a beard to prove that?” he asked.

BRS MP K. R Suresh Reddy said, that the bill using a facade of progressiveness is actually aimed at propagating polarisation. “There was no need for such a bill, most of the changes they are bringing in could have been done through regular administrative process,” he said. The restriction on donation by non-Muslims, Mr. Reddy is to dissuade the Hindus who regularly visit dargahs. “This draconian bill will hamper the secular fabric of our country,” he added. 

As per sources the INDIA bloc parties had reached out to both BJD and YSR Congress after its meeting on Tuesday, in the hope of shoring up its numbers against the legislation in Rajya Sabha. 

Published - April 03, 2025 09:03 pm IST