New Delhi: The government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8 with the Opposition labeling it as ‘divisive’, ‘anti-Muslim’, and ‘unconstitutional’. The Bill proposes significant changes to the 1995 law, such as the inclusion of Muslim women on Waqf boards and ensuring verification of land before a board announces it as a Waqf property.
Introducing the Bill, Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, said: "With this Bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body....Forget about taking anyone’s rights, this Bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them...."
(Photo courtesy: Screengrab/Sansad TV)
Congress disrupted the proceedings in Lok Sabha with its leader K C Venugopal labeling the bill a "draconian, fundamental attack on the Constitution". "Allowing non-Muslims to be members of the Waqf Board is an attack on the Muslim religion and their faith. This bill is designed for elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. This is an attack on the federal system, freedom of religion," he said.
Walkout in Rajya Sabha over Vinesh Phogat
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics due to being 100 grams overweight in the women’s 50 kg category. He said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed IOA President PT Usha to take necessary actions.
Opposition parties staged a walkout after the Chair did not allow them to raise the issue of disqualification in the Olympics. Speaking in Rajya Sabha on the issue, Union Minister JP Nadda said, “The whole country is standing with Vinesh Phogat… Unfortunately, we are dividing this between the ruling side and the opposition.”
