PDP Leader Mehbooba Mufti Opposes Waqf Amendment Bill, Seeks Support from NDA Allies
The President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has strongly opposed the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill that might be introduced in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament. On Friday, she wrote letters to the leaders of Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), requesting their support to stop the Bill from passing.
Why Mehbooba Mufti Opposes the Bill?
Mehbooba Mufti believes that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a serious issue that could affect the Muslim community in India. She raised concerns that:
- The Bill could weaken the Waqf Act, which is meant to protect properties dedicated to the welfare of Muslims.
- It might marginalize the Muslim community even more, as they have already faced social and political challenges in the past decade.
- The government has not properly consulted Muslim leaders and organizations about the amendments.
She expressed that the Bill is presented as a reform, but in reality, it could take away the rights of the Muslim community.
Appeal to NDA Allies for Support
Mehbooba Mufti wrote letters to JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu, urging them to take action and stop the Bill. She believes that as senior leaders and members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), they have the power to influence the decision in Parliament.
In her letter, she stated:
- India’s secular fabric is under threat, and the country’s unity depends on respecting religious and cultural diversity.
- The spirit of the Indian Constitution should be upheld by ensuring equal rights for all communities.
- The Bill is an attack on the fundamental rights of the Muslim community.
She reminded the leaders that they have always supported secularism and must now act to protect communal harmony in the country.
Concerns Raised by the Opposition
The opposition parties have already expressed their strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Mehbooba Mufti pointed out that:
- Several opposition leaders have submitted dissent notes against the Bill.
- The consultation process has been called a mere formality, as the government has not made serious efforts to listen to the concerns of the affected community.
- The true intention of the Bill is not reform but to weaken the legal protections given to Waqf properties.
She further stated that the political marginalization of Muslims has been increasing since 2014, and this Bill is yet another step in that direction.
Impact on National Unity
According to Mehbooba Mufti, passing this Bill could create major divisions in Indian society. She warned that:
- The Bill might damage national unity by creating more religious conflicts.
- It could lead to economic disadvantages for the Muslim community by taking away properties meant for their upliftment.
- India has always been known for its diversity and peaceful coexistence, and such laws could harm the country’s international reputation.
She ended her letter by requesting the JD(U) and TDP leaders to act before it’s too late and prevent this Bill from being passed.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has become a controversial issue in Indian politics. Mehbooba Mufti has taken a strong stand against it and is trying to gather support from NDA allies to stop the Bill in Parliament. The opposition believes that the Bill could weaken the rights of the Muslim community and increase communal divisions. It remains to be seen whether the NDA allies will respond to her appeal and take action.
