AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Bill, claiming it undermines the autonomy of the Waqf Board and violates constitutional rights.
NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Bill, asserting that
“the amendments introduced by the government aim to dismantle the Waqf Board and strip Muslims of their autonomy in managing religious affairs”
In an interview with the media, Owaisi argued that
“the bill violates Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, interferes with the independence of the Waqf Board, and grants excessive powers to government officials”
Concerns Over Government Interference in Religious Affairs
Owaisi accused the government of systematically weakening the Waqf Board through legislative amendments that erode its authority. He expressed deep distrust in the government’s intentions, citing its lack of Muslim representation in key positions.
“Every amendment this government introduces is aimed at dismantling the Waqf Board and taking away the right of Muslims to manage their religious affairs. How can we trust a government that does not have a single Muslim MP, has no Muslim ministers, refuses to give election tickets to Muslim candidates, and employs bulldozers selectively?”
Owaisi remarked.
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Opposition to Appointment of Non-Muslims to Waqf Board
One of the key provisions Owaisi criticized is the appointment of non-Muslims to the Waqf Board, which he called unconstitutional. He pointed out
“that religious boards governing Hindu temples in states like Bihar, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh require their members and staff to be Hindu”
However, the government does not apply the same principle to Waqf institutions, raising concerns about double standards in religious governance.
“Under Article 26 of the Constitution, religious communities have the right to manage their own affairs. Yet, this bill allows non-Muslims to be appointed to the Waqf Board, which is a direct violation of that fundamental right,”
Owaisi argued.
Claims of Land Encroachment and Government’s Hidden Agenda
When questioned about the allegations of Waqf land encroachment, Owaisi dismissed them as a pretext for government intervention. He highlighted that existing laws already prescribe strict penalties for illegal encroachments, making further regulatory changes unnecessary.
“The current law already criminalizes unlawful encroachments on Waqf property, making it a non-bailable offence with a two-year sentence. So why does the government want more control? There is no equivalent interference in Hindu or Christian religious boards,”
he stated.
He further accused the government of attempting to seize Waqf properties under the guise of regulation. Owaisi cited examples of legal disputes over mosques near Parliament and incidents like the violence in Sambhal over a mosque as evidence of a deliberate effort to stoke religious tensions.
“If this bill is passed, district collectors will have the authority to declare Waqf land as government property. This is nothing but a land grab—an attempt to target mosques, create unnecessary controversies, and deepen Hindu-Muslim divisions,”
he warned.
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Government’s Alleged Neglect of Waqf Development
Addressing the government’s claims of making the Waqf Board more accountable, Owaisi countered that the government has done little to support Waqf properties. He alleged that while the government provides significant funding to Hindu religious boards, it has failed to release grants allocated for the development of Waqf institutions.
He also dismissed the widely circulated claim that Waqf is India’s third-largest landholder, calling it propaganda meant to justify government intervention.
Attack on Modi Government’s Policies Toward Muslims
In a direct criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Owaisi questioned the government’s approach towards the Muslim community.
“Mr. Modi says, ‘If you are a Muslim, show us for five years.’ Who is he to say that? I do not need his validation. For five years, the government can allocate land to Hindu endowments, but it denies the same rights to Muslims?”
he asked.
A Threat to Religious Harmony?
Owaisi concluded by warning that the proposed bill, if passed, would be unconstitutional and could severely disrupt India’s social fabric. He cautioned that the amendments risk inflaming communal tensions and are part of a broader strategy to weaken Muslim institutions.
“This bill will lead to more Hindu-Muslim conflicts. Every amendment introduced by this government is designed to dismantle the Waqf Board and strip Muslims of their rights. It must be opposed to preserve India’s religious harmony and constitutional values,”
Owaisi asserted.
His strong opposition to the bill underscores the growing concerns among Muslim leaders over government policies affecting religious minorities.
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