Political tensions have escalated with the anticipated changes to the Waqf Act. The Modi government is expected to introduce a bill in Parliament today proposing amendments to the Waqf Act, which would modify the Waqf Board’s structure and alter ownership rights on Waqf lands. The bill also proposes including women in the Waqf Board. While the government has not officially announced the amendment, speculation is rife. Today’s developments are pivotal, with the potential presentation of the bill in Parliament.

The BJP has defended the proposed changes, citing widespread irregularities in Waqf properties that the amendment aims to address. Former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma emphasized the government’s responsibility to tackle these irregularities, while former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi urged the Waqf Board to embrace necessary reforms and reject any communal backlash against these inclusive changes.

Congress leaders have yet to officially comment, but party Muslim leaders have voiced strong opposition. Congress leader Naseem Khan condemned the proposed amendment, asserting that once a Waqf property, always a Waqf property. Protests have also emerged within the JDU, an NDA ally. Former JDU MP Ghulam Rasool has called on Nitish Kumar to oppose the central government’s initiative.