Ranchi/Jamshedpur, Apr 2 (PTI) Jharkhand Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh on Wednesday condemned the Waqf Amendment Bill, terming it an "attempt to violate" the religious freedom granted to Muslims under the Constitution.
He claimed that the Bill was an attempt to divert people's attention from various issues such as unemployment and inflation.
"We are not against the amendment, but rather its intention. Amendment should be introduced in the interest of the state and the country. However, this is an attempt to create division in the country," Kamlesh told reporters here.
He alleged that the Bill weakens Muslims' authority over the board and allows the government to control Waqf assets.
Former Jharkhand Congress president and member of the state coordination committee Rajesh Thakur said, "The BJP wants to spread hatred in the country through this amendment. They brought the Bill without holding discussions with stakeholders."
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, which seeks to improve the functioning of Waqf properties, address complexities, ensure transparency and introduce technology-driven management.
Tabling the Bill, which was examined and redrafted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Rijiju said the legislation has nothing to do with religion, but deals only with properties.
Welcoming it, Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi said the parties which do not want progress and development of the Muslim community and women are opposing it.
"This amendment will provide rights and privileges to the poor and women of the Muslim community," he said.
Marandi said the Congress and INDIA bloc should refrain from misleading the public.
"Several Muslim and Christians organisations have supported the amendment Bill," he claimed.
Janata Dal (U) legislator Saryu Roy said the Bill is a timely measure aimed at promoting harmony and ending the policy of appeasement towards any particular community in the country.
"The government’s move to table the Bill in Parliament is commendable, and it will be even more beneficial once it is passed," said Roy, a former cabinet minister of Jharkhand.
Roy criticised the original Waqf Board Act, claiming that its enactment was driven by political motives rather than national interests.
He lauded the Union government for taking a step in the right direction by introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
"I believe that once the Bill is passed, there will be celebrations across the country," Roy observed.