Is the Centre right is seeking transparency by introducing Waqf Board Amendment Bill? Well, giving a sharp edge of his tongue on the issue is Union Minister Kiren Rijiju who has accused Zakir Naik the absconding Islamic preacher Zakir Naik of attempting to mislead Indian Muslims and disseminate “false propaganda” regarding the government’s Waqf Amendment Bill. Naik, who is wanted in India for alleged money laundering and hate speeches, criticized the proposed legislation, claiming it would have “evil repercussions” and urged Muslims to submit their objections to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Bill. He even shared a QR code and a URL for an online petition, calling for at least 5 million Indian Muslims to express their dissent by September 13.

Rijiju has dismissed Naik’s statements as “misleading” and “false propaganda,” emphasizing that such actions could distort public understanding and foster incorrect narratives.

“Please do not mislead innocent Muslims from abroad. India is a democratic nation where people are free to form their own opinions. Disseminating false propaganda can lead to misleading narratives,” Rijiju said.

Naik left India in 2016 and has been residing outside the country since then. The Waqf Amendment Bill, which proposes extensive changes to the existing Waqf Act, has been a subject of heated debate. Among the 44 proposed changes, the Bill suggests the inclusion of two non-Muslim individuals, a Union Minister, three Members of Parliament (MPs), and senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in the Waqf board. It also mandates the representation of women on the board.

Critics call the bill draconian

Critics, including several opposition parties, have labeled the Bill as “draconian,” arguing that it could undermine the autonomy of Waqf boards and negatively impact the administration of Waqf properties. They fear that the amendments might lead to increased government interference and reduced control for the Muslim community over their religious endowments.

In contrast, the government contends that the amendments are designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties. The Bill aims to ensure that funds received by the Waqf boards are utilized for the welfare of widows, divorcees, and orphans, and to better protect their inheritance rights.

Earlier in Parliament, Rijiju had defended the Bill, asserting that it is intended to address issues of mismanagement within Waqf boards, which he claimed have been “captured by certain individuals.” He emphasized that the amendments are meant to deliver justice to ordinary Muslims and improve the efficacy of Waqf board operations.

As the debate continues, the government remains steadfast in its position, while critics and proponents alike await further developments regarding the legislation.