'You're Not The Protector Of Speaker's Rights': Amit Shah's Retort To Akhilesh Yadav In Waqf Bill Debate

In a heated debate in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the rights of Speaker Om Birla was being undermined, sparking a strong response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

During discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Yadav criticised the bill, asserting, “This bill, which is being introduced, is a result of well-thought-out political strategy. Speaker sir, I heard in the lobby that some of your rights are going to be taken away and we will have to fight for you… I oppose this bill.”

In response, Shah sharply reacted, stating, “Akhilesh ji, you cannot speak in such a vague manner. You are not the protector of the Speaker’s rights.”

‘BJP working like a real estate company’

Yadav, who previously served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, accused the BJP of using the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a cover for land deals that benefit its members.

“BJP is working like a real estate company. It should change its name by adding ‘Zameen’ instead of ‘Janta’: Bhartiya Zameen Party,” he shared in a Hindi post on ‘X’.

He further alleged that Waqf Board lands are just another part of a series of “schemes” designed for BJP’s benefit, following land acquisitions for Defence, Railways, and Nazul lands.

“Why doesn’t BJP openly write: ‘Issued in the interest of BJP’ ,” the Samajwadi Party chief questioned.

Additionally, he demanded a “written guarantee” that Waqf Board lands would not be sold off.

Opposition Misleading Muslims: Kiren Rijiju

Responding to objections raised by several opposition members regarding the bill in the Lok Sabha, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of “misleading” Muslims.

“They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims…Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me…Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they personally support the bill but can’t say it due to their political parties…We have held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill,” Rijiju stated.

Defending the amendments, he noted that a joint parliamentary committee had recommended a review of the Waqf Act of 1995.

The BJP leader stated that the opposition’s resistance was politically motivated.

What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill about?

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes significant changes to the existing Waqf law, aiming to ensure broader representation in Waqf boards, including Muslim women and non-Muslims. It also seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.

The bill suggests removing Section 40 of the current law, which pertains to the board’s authority over Waqf property decisions. It includes provisions for a diverse composition of the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards, as well as the establishment of separate boards for Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis and other backward classes among Muslim communities.

(With inputs from agencies)