Owaisi Accuses Modi Government of Undermining Waqf Board Autonomy

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the Modi government on Sunday in response to reports about proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act. Owaisi claimed that these amendments indicate an attempt by the Centre to undermine the autonomy of the Waqf Board and increase its interference in the board’s affairs.

Speaking at a conference, Owaisi said, “The central government is acting against parliamentary norms and privileges by communicating these plans to the media instead of informing Parliament directly. The media reports suggest that the Modi government aims to diminish the Waqf Board’s autonomy and interfere with its operations, which goes against the principles of religious freedom.”

Owaisi also accused the BJP of consistently opposing Waqf boards and properties as part of a broader “Hindutva agenda.” He warned that amendments to the Waqf Board’s establishment and composition could lead to administrative confusion and a reduction in the board’s autonomy. He expressed concerns that increased government control could affect the board’s independence and cited fears that disputed properties might be surveyed by government entities with potentially biased outcomes.

“Reports indicate that if there are disputed properties, they will be surveyed by the BJP and state governments, leading to questionable results. There are already instances where the BJP-RSS dispute the existence of certain dargahs and mosques. This move appears to be an attempt to shift judicial authority to the executive,” he added.

Earlier reports suggested that the government plans to introduce around 40 amendments to the Waqf Act in the next parliamentary session.