The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha after long debates. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says the bill will help Muslim women and promote transparency.
What the Bill Covers
Ravi Shankar Prasad explained in an interview that the bill aims to ensure that mosques, places of worship, and graveyards are not affected. The focus is on the proper management of Waqf properties for the benefit of the community.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups
The former law minister emphasized that the bill will empower Muslim women, widows, and marginalized individuals. It aims to prevent misuse of Waqf properties and hold managers accountable.
Addressing Transparency
Prasad highlighted that the bill will bring transparency by making Waqf boards more accountable. Digitization will ensure that information about properties and their use is available online.
Potential Backlash
When asked about a possible backlash from the Muslim community and its impact on Nitish Kumar, Prasad stated that similar concerns have been raised since Kumar allied with the BJP in 1996. He pointed out that despite protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, no Muslim has lost citizenship.
Changing Polity
Prasad noted that India’s political landscape has evolved significantly, and the younger generation within the minority community has also changed. He emphasized the need to move away from old arguments of secularism and communalism.
