Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 22: BJP MP and Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Jagdambika Pal, on Tuesday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for calling the bill "unconstitutional" despite not participating in the Parliamentary debate.

Speaking at a press conference after a public event, Pal questioned Gandhi’s silence during the 12-hour debate held in the House. “As the Leader of Opposition, he has a responsibility towards the nation. If he didn’t participate in the debate, he has no moral right to call the bill unconstitutional,” Pal said, adding that he was open to dialogue with anyone raising objections to the bill.

Pal clarified that the Waqf Amendment Bill aims to streamline governance by removing Section 40 of the Waqf Act, 1995— a provision added by the Congress-led UPA government in 2013— which allowed the Waqf Board to declare any property as Waqf property based on its belief.

“The omission is intended to rationalise the board’s powers and ensure Waqf declarations follow due legal process,” he said.

He further added that the Bill, now a law, was passed after thorough debate and not by using brute majority. “This reflects democratic maturity,” he noted.

Referring to recent unrest in West Bengal's Murshidabad over the bill, Pal alleged that the violence was state-sponsored. “Several Hindus were forced to flee across the river to Malda. If this isn’t mob lynching backed by the state, what is?” he asked.

Pal accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of politicising the issue for upcoming Assembly polls, saying her refusal to implement the law was itself unconstitutional.

He alleged that certain groups were trying to mislead Muslims— similar to tactics used during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and Article 370 abrogation.

Highlighting the bill’s broader objectives, Pal said the amended Act seeks to digitise records, ensure transparency, and strengthen the management of Waqf properties— particularly to benefit Pasmanda Muslims, women, and orphans.