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Beed sarpanch murder
Citizens in Latur district collect Rs 21 lakh for Deshmukh's family
Citizens from Maharashtra's Latur district have collected Rs 21 lakh for the family of slain Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. On Wednesday, Ausa MLA Abhimanyu Pawar handed over financial aid to the family of Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9. Preliminary investigations suggest he was targeted for resisting an extortion attempt on an energy company running a windmill project in the area. The murder had triggered a massive uproar in the state, with the opposition targeting the then NCP minister Dhananjay Munde after his close aide Walmik Karad was accused of being involved in the crime. Eight persons, including Karad, have been arrested so far and booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Beed sarpanch murder case: Accused given AC room, special food in jail, claims BJP MLA BJP MLA Suresh Dhas also demanded that the accused in the case be shifted to jails in other districts. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas on Wednesday alleged that accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case were getting a VIP treatment in Beed district jail with an AC room and special food arranged for them, reported the PTI. Dhas also demanded that the accused in the case be shifted to jails in other districts. Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9 last year allegedly for attempting to stop an extortion bid targeting an energy company. Eight persons, including Walmik Karad, an aide of NCP leader and former state minister Dhananjay Munde, have been arrested and booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the case. Talking to reporters in Beed after the district planning committee meeting, Dhas said, "Special food is being given to these accused and an air conditioned room is also made available to them...They are allowed to speak over mobile phone regularly," according to the PTI. "If accused in some other case are being sent to Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, then are Walmik Karad and others (accused in the sarpanch murder case) relatives of the jail administration? They should be shifted to Amravati or Nagpur," he added. Reiterating his claim that Karad was assaulted by members of a rival gang in jail, the BJP legislator from Ashti assembly constituency in Beed said, "Quarrel and fight took place in Beed jail earlier. If prisoners from the rival gang were moved to other districts, then why are those from the opposite side not being shifted elsewhere?" (With PT inputs)
03 April,2025 02:50 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondent
Punjab Police nabs woman cop with 17.70 gm heroin
Punjab Police on Thursday said that it has arrested a woman police constable carrying 17.70 gm of heroin in Bathinda district, the PTI reported. According to the PTI, acting on a tip-off, police along with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) intercepted constable Amandeep Kaur's SUV near the Badal flyover in Bathinda on Wednesday evening, Deputy Superintendent of Police (City-1), Harbans Singh, said. During search, police found 17.70 gm of heroin from Amandeep Kaur's possession, the officer said, as per the PTI. Kaur, who was earlier deployed with the Mansa police, was presently attached to Bathinda Police Lines. The constable has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Singh said. Punjab Police bust trans-border drug smuggling racket; 6 kg heroin seized, 2 held Meanwhile, in a significant development last week, Punjab Police had on Sunday busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket and apprehended two drug traffickers who were allegedly colluding with Pakistan-based smugglers, the PTI had earlier reported. A large cache of 6 kg heroin was recovered from their possession, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav told the press and also informed about the modus operandi of drug traffickers operating from Tarn Taran, as per the PTI. He said that drones were deployed to drop drug consignments in the state, from across the border. According to the PTI, those arrested were identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deep and Harjeet Singh, both residents of Village Thathi Sohal, Tarn Taran. Police teams have also impounded their Swift car, being used in drug smuggling. Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that arrested accused persons were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers identified as Billa and Shah, who have been delivering consignments of drugs from across the border, the PTI reported. The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ferozepur range Harmanbir Singh Gill said that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs received by the arrested accused so far, as per the PTI. Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that a police team from Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Staff Tarn Taran under the supervision of DSP (D) Rajinder Minhas and DSP Gurinderpal Singh Nagra conducted a targeted operation and apprehended them in the area of Village Bhusse in Tarn Taran and recovered the contraband, the news agency had earlier reported. (with PTI inputs)
03 April,2025 02:40 PM IST | Chandigarh | mid-day online correspondent
Govt tables Waqf Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha after Lok Sabha approval
On Thursday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced a motion for the consideration of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 and the Musalmaan Wakf (Repeal) Bill in the Rajya Sabha. While speaking in the upper house of Parliament, Rijiju referenced the Sachar committee report, which suggested expanding the central Waqf council and state Waqf boards to enhance inclusivity. He also provided details about the number of Waqf properties, noting that the Sachar committee estimated the earnings from 4.9 lakh properties at Rs 12,000 in 2006. "As of today, there are 8.72 lakh Waqf properties. In 2006, if the Sachar committee had estimated the earnings from 4.9 lakh Waqf properties at Rs 12,000 crore, then you can imagine the income these properties must be generating now. The Sachar committee also recommended that the central Waqf council and state Waqf board should be broadened to make them inclusive. The committee also recommended specific steps to be taken for the (benefit) of women and children," Rijiju said. According to the ANI reports, The minister referred to the recommendations of the previous Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chaired by senior Congress leader K Rahman Khan, which highlighted various issues with the Waqf board that required rectification, including the improvement of the infrastructure of the board. "A joint parliamentary committee under the leadership of K Rahman Khan, who served as a minority affairs minister, raised the issue regarding infrastructure (of Waqf) while pointing out the fewer manpower and funds. He said that the entire thing is focused on appointing or removing the Mutawalli," he added. Rijiju urged Congress and its allies to support the Waqf Amendment Bill stating that all the recommendations given by previous committees have been incorporated into the newly amended bill. "All these recommendations given earlier have been incorporated in the newly amended bill. These committees were under UPA and Congress. Thus, I appeal to Congress party and its allies to support Waqf Amendment Bill 2025," he said. Rijiju stated that the Ministry of Minority Affairs had drafted the bill after consulting various stakeholders across the country. He mentioned that a total of 284 organisations provided feedback on the bill, and over one crore people submitted memorandums to express views on it. "Before the joint parliamentary committee was formed, many said that the consolation regarding it wasn't enough. I want to say that before the Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced, the ministry of minority affairs came to prepare the bill after taking in confidence the stakeholders, including the minority commission of the state governments," the Parliamentary Affairs minister said. "The JPC has done a comprehensive work, more than any other JPC formed previously. In totality, 284 organisations across different regions gave opinions. Over one crore people submitted memorandums to register their opinions to the JPC and the ministry. This is historic," he added. (With ANI inputs)
03 April,2025 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tariffs imposed by US will 'completely devastate' Indian economy: Rahul
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed that China had taken over 4,000 square kilometre of Indian territory and that reciprocal tariffs or import duties imposed by the US would "completely devastate" the Indian economy, as he demanded answers from the government over these issues. Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi slammed the government over the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties by India and China. "China is sitting on 4,000 square kilometre of our territory. I was shocked some time back to see that our foreign secretary (Vikram Misri) was cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador. The question is -- what exactly is happening to this territory of 4,000 sq km that China has taken?" the former Congress president said. Referring to the Galwan incident, Gandhi said 20 jawans were martyred in 2020. "There is a celebration taking place over their martyrdom by cutting a cake. We are not against normalcy but there should be status quo before that. We should get our land back. It has also come to my notice that the President and the Prime Minister have written to the Chinese," he said. "We are not finding this out from our own people, it is the Chinese ambassador who is telling the people of India that the PM and the President have written to them," Gandhi said. He said foreign policy is about managing the external countries and pointed out that on one hand, "you have given China 4,000 sq km of our land", and on the other hand our ally US has suddenly decided to impose tariffs on us. He said the tariffs imposed by the US are going to "completely devastate" the Indian economy, particularly sectors like the auto industry, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. "Somebody once asked Indira Gandhi ji-- 'In the matter of foreign policy you lean left or you lean right', and Indira Gandhi ji answered 'I don't lean left or right, I stand straight. I am Indian and I stand straight'. T "The BJP and the RSS have a different philosophy, when they are asked whether they lean left or the right, they say 'no, no, no, we bow our head in front of every foreigner that comes in front of us. This is something that is in their culture, in their history, we know that," Gandhi said. He said the government of India must give answers as to "what is it doing about our land and about these tariffs that our ally has imposed on us". The US has announced 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India, saying New Delhi imposes high import duties on American goods. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 April,2025 02:10 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Waqf Amendment Bill: NDA is trying to divide this country, says Congress MP
On Thursday, Congress Member of Parliament Amarinder Singh Raja Warring strongly criticised the NDA government accusing it of deliberately working to divide the country and marginalise a community following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Warring expressed concern that the government’s actions, particularly through the introduction and passage of such legislation, were aimed at sidelining and disadvantaging the Muslim community.While speaking to ANI, Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, "This bill sidelines one community... The same conditions have not been imposed on other religions as on the Waqf Board... It is not right to make people from other communities members of the Waqf Board... They (NDA) are trying to divide this country. They are trying to subdue the communities that do not vote for them by weakening them economically... They did the same to the farmers to make them accept RSS ideology..."Earlier on Thursday, Sonia Gandhi, the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union Government. In her speech she said that Waqf bill is a "brazen assault" on the Constitution and is BJP's strategy to keep society in a state of "permanent polarisation."At the CPP general body meeting, Sonia Gandhi said, "Yesterday, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, was passed in the Lok Sabha, and today, it is scheduled to come up in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was, in effect, bulldozed through. Our party's position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is very much part of the BJP's deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarization."Union Minister JP Nadda along with the BJP National President is scheduled to address the Rajya Sabha regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 around 1 pm on Thursday. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be tabled in the Rajya Sabha, a day after it was cleared with a majority in the Lok Sabha.The Lower House held an lengthy 12-hour debate before the Bill was approved, with 288 members voting in favor and 232 opposing it. (With ANI inputs)
03 April,2025 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin protests Waqf Amendment Bill, calls it an attack
As a mark of protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Lok Sabha, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, along with other DMK MLAs, wore black badges during the Assembly session on Thursday. Stalin argued that the bill, despite facing widespread opposition, was passed at 2 AM with the support of alliance parties, calling it an 'attack on Indian democracy.' Addressing the Assembly, CM Stalin said, "On March 27, we have passed a resolution unanimously, except the BJP, in the Tamil Nadu assembly to take back the Waqf board amendment bill, which is against the integrity of the Indian nation and for minorities," reported ANI. Stalin further added, "Most political parties in India have opposed the bill. It is severely condemnable that this bill was passed in parliament despite much opposition. 232 parliament members voted against it, and 288 members voted in favour of it. It's not normal that, despite its passing, 232 is the highest number. Numbers ( Against )would have increased. This amendment is not just to be opposed but should be fully taken back is our view. That's what we have passed a resolution in the assembly." "Despite the majority political parties' opposition, with the help of some alliance parties, passing the bill by early morning 2 AM is a blow against Indian Democracy and an act to disturb religious things," Stalin stated while addressing the assembly. Stalin added, "So considering this, today we wore black badges and came to assembly session. From DMK, we will approach the Supreme Court on this waqf amendment bill." According to ANI, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also opposed the timing and intent behind the Waqf (Amendment) Bill that was passed in the Lok Sabha, charging that the legislation was a ruse of the ruling government to divert attention from the US reciprocal tariff announcement. The Rajya Sabha is set to discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill at 1 PM, with an allocation of eight hours for the debate. On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a marathon and heated debate, during which members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it, saying it would bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards. The House worked on the Bill beyond midnight to pass the legislation. While announcing the division's result, speaker Om Birla stated, "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," reported ANI. As per ANI, the government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (With inputs from ANI)
03 April,2025 12:53 PM IST | Chennai | mid-day online correspondent
Waqf Amendment Bill: Social justice wins, says BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla
On Thursday, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hailed the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, describing it as a victory for social justice and effective governance after over 13 hours of debate in the lower house of the parliament. In a video statement, Ponnawalla expressed his approval of the decision, stating, "After more than 13 hours of discussion, the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha... I welcome it... Waqf will no longer be able to claim whatever it wants... Social justice has won today." Poonawalla highlighted that the legislation would protect the rights of the underprivileged Muslims and that all the "evils" in the Waqf system would end after it gets passed in the Rajya Sabha. "Poor Muslims, women, orphan children, etc., will also benefit from Waqf properties... This is also a victory for good governance... Now, this bill will go to the Rajya Sabha, and when it becomes a law, all the evils that were in the Waqf system will end... This bill will ensure the rights of poor Muslims and maintain the constitutional system," Poonawalla said. Meanwhile, Congress MPs strongly opposed the passage of the bill, arguing that the timing and purpose of the passage were a tactic of the ruling government to divert attention from the US reciprocal tariff announcement. "Parliament was working until 2 in the morning, and at 1:30 am, the US imposed tariffs. The country and especially the BJP voters must understand that this Waqf (Amendment) Bill was pre-planned to deviate people from the issue of tariffs. The US imposed 26 per cent tariffs, but the government is not ready to talk about that, and I have heard that the PM has now gone to Thailand," Congress MP Imram Pratapgarhi said. Imran Masood, Congress MP and Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) member for the Waqf Bill, also denounced the bill's passage, claiming that the constitution is "being crushed" and also signalled plans for a legal challenge against the legislation. "The Constitution is being crushed... It's sad how things are proceeding based on their numbers (of MPs). We will continue our fight and take this to court," Masood asserted. The Rajya Sabha is scheduled to begin its discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill around 1 pm, with eight hours set aside for the debate. Congress will have about 45 minutes for their contributions. Nasir Hussain will be the first speaker from the party, followed by party MPs Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Imran Pratapgarhi, who are also expected to speak. The Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha early on Thursday morning, April 3rd after a long 12-hour debate. (With ANI inputs)
03 April,2025 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
"Revolutionary bill...": Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Waqf Amendment Bill
Calling the Waqf Amendment Bill "revolutionary," Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Thursday congratulated the central government for bringing the reformative change, reported news agency ANI. "A revolutionary bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha today...I congratulate the government for bringing this reformative change...This bill will provide benefits to the poor Muslims. When the discussion on Manipur started, Rahul Gandhi was the first person to leave the house...The public should understand that they just want to do politics," Shrikant Shinde told ANI. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said AIMIM Chief Asasuddin Owaisi was trying to become the 'messiah' of the Muslims. "He tore the copy of the bill...The leaders of TMC, SP, Congress, and DMK all did drama to portray themselves as the leader of minorities...The opposition did their job and did everything to mislead the Muslim community," he added. Earlier, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 after a marathon and heated debate during which members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it, saying it would bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards. The bill was passed after amendments made by the opposition members were negative. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the result of the division. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said. Earlier, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asasuddin Owaisi attacked the BJP-led Central government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and unstapled and tore the copy of the bill as a mark to oppose the amendment. "This Bill is an attack on Muslims. The Modi government has started a war on my freedom. My mosques, my Dargahs, my Madrasas are on target. This government is not revealing the truth. This Bill violates Article 14- Equal Protection. Limitations will be imposed. By doing so, the encroacher will become the owner, and a non -Muslim will administrate the Waqf Board. This Bill also violates Equality For Law," Owaisi said. The revised bill was brought by the government after incorporating recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee which examined the legislation which was introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (With inputs from ANI)
03 April,2025 11:44 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Mid-Day Top News: How trafficking gang beat security system and more
Welcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Sensex down 800 pts, Nifty 180 pts Indian stock markets opened in selling pressure on Thursday, following a global decline triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff announcement. Investors reacted negatively, leading to a sharp drop in key indices at market opening. The benchmark BSE Sensex plunged over 800 points to open at 75,811.12, marking a 1.05 percent decline. Similarly, the NSE Nifty 50 index fell by 182.05 points, opening at 23,150.30, down by 0.78 percent. Mumbai: How trafficking gang beat security system The Mumbai Crime Branch has discovered a large-scale illegal immigration network that helped transport at least 80 Indian nationals to the United States via unauthorised or ‘dunki’ routes. The racket came to light following a complaint and concerns raised by airport authorities. During their probe, the Crime Branch identified several security loopholes at the airport and submitted a report to the agencies concerned, urging stricter measures. Read more. Can Mumbai have Japan-style tanks to tackle flooding under rail tracks? In what could be a permanent solution to Mumbai’s railway flooding problem, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has proposed a study on flood assessment and mitigation measures, exploring the Japanese model of underground holding ponds. These ponds could store water during high tides, preventing waterlogging once and for all. Read more. RCB beaten by ex-factor! The Prodigal Son returned to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in grand fashion, masterminding Gujarat Titans’ commanding eight-wicket win over his old franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on Wednesday night. It was RCB’s first loss of the competition and the second win in three outings for the Titans. Read more. Gippy Grewal: ‘If Pushpa can work in Punjab, Akaal can do well in south’ Right when we begin our chat, Gippy Grewal tells us that he is averse to the term ‘pressure’. Writing, directing and starring in the ambitious venture, Akaal, must have been an arduous responsibility, but the Punjabi actor-director says he had prepared himself mentally before setting foot on the set. Read more.
03 April,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Waqf (Amendment) Bill is weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims: Rahul Gandhi
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday opposed the "Waqf (Amendment) Bill and said that it is a "weapon" aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. "The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a weapon aimed at marginalising Muslims and usurping their personal laws and property rights. This attack on the Constitution by the RSS, BJP and their allies is aimed at Muslims today but sets a precedent to target other communities in the future.… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 2, 2025 He further said, "The Congress party strongly opposes this legislation as it attacks the very idea of India and violates Article 25, the Right to Freedom of Religion." Meanwhile, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat attacked Rahul Gandhi and said, "I want to remind that if Shyama Prasad Mookherjee was not there, Rahul Gandhi would be standing in a line to seek a permit to start his Yatra in J&K. Never claim that our leaders were not involved in Independence Movement," "I want to remind that if Shyama Prasad Mookherjee was not there, Rahul Gandhi would be standing in a line to seek permit to start his Yatra in J&K. Never claim that our leaders were not involved in Independence Movement," Sehrawat added. Earlier, Congress leader KC Venugopal alleged that the Waqf Amendment Bill "is a dangerous, divisive law which runs against the tenets of our Constitution" Participating in the debate on Waqf (Amendment Bill), 2025 in Lok Sabha, he accused the BJP of resorting to divisive politics. "I expected so many legislations to come during this period. For last several years, farmers have been on the street, they are demanding legal guarantees for MSP. But the Bill is not coming. Youngsters of this country are unemployed and in despair. So, the country expected legislation for drastic change for the youth of the country. But it didn't come...You can see the legislation that has been given priority by this government. This is to have only one agenda - to divide Bharat Mata in the name of religion...," Venugopal said. Moving the bill for passing in the House, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the bill will not be applicable retrospectively and the Centre is not seeking more powers. "When our country has the largest Waqf property in the world, why hasn't it been used for the education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims? Why has no progress been made in this regard so far?" Rijiju said. Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha. The bill was earlier presented in the Lok Sabha in August last year and a Joint Parliamentary Committee, headed by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, examined it. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 April,2025 08:38 AM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Lok Sabha passes Waqf Amendment Bill after marathon, heated debate
The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 on Thursday after a marathon and heated debate during which members of INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation while BJP and its allies in strongly supported it, saying it will bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards. The bill was passed after amendments made by the opposition members were negatived. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. After a reply to the debate by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Speaker Om Birla announced that the House is taking up item no 12 in the listed business - The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 - for a decision of the House. He said the question is whether the bill should be taken up for consideration and then said the lobbies should be cleared. He later announced the result of division. "Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favour of the proposal," he said. Parties in INDIA bloc had decided to oppose the bill and their members voted accordingly. They also pressed for division on some amendments. An amendment was negatived with 231 members voting in favour and 238 against it. The revised bill was brought by the government after incorporating recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee which examined the legislation which was introduced in August last year. In his reply to the debate, Rijiju said slammed the opposition parties for terming Waqf Amendment Bill as "unconstitutional", Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the law relating to Waqf property has been in existence for decades and has not been struck down by courts and such words should not be used lightly. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024' has also been passed in Lok Sabha. The debate on Lok Sabha that lasted almost 12 hours. Rijiju said that after the bill is passed, the poor in the Muslim community will thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The House sat beyond midnight to pass the bill. "Crores of poor Muslims will thank PM Modi on the bill being passed," he said. Rijiju rejected criticism by opposition members that the Bill was "anti-Muslim" and said some members were just not prepared to accept the truth despite Home Minister Amit Shah nicely elucidating on all issues. "I want to thank all the leaders for keeping their views regarding the Bill... Some leaders are saying that the bill is unconstitutional, and I want to ask them how they could say that the bill is unconstitutional. If it was unconstitutional, why didn't the court strike it down?... words like unconstitutional should not be used...the Bill is not against the Constitution, as the opposition claimed...We should not use the words 'constitutional' and 'unconstitutional' so lightly," he said. Earlier, in his speech, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the opposition is trying to build its vote bank by scaring the minority community. He said the government does not want to interfere in the religious activities of Muslim brothers and the trusts associated with their donations. "No non-Islamic member will get a place in the Waqf Board's work related to religious donations. Work of non-Muslim members, appointed in the Waqf Board or its premises, will not be related to religious activities. A person of any religion can become the Charity Commissioner, he will ensure that the board is run according to charity law, this is the administrative work, not religious," the Home Minister said. "The work of the Waqf Board should be to catch and throw out those who sell Waqf properties. The opposition wants the collusion that was going on in their rule to continue, but this will not happen now," he added. Amit Shah said had the Waqf law not been amended in 2013, there would have been no need to bring this bill. "In 2013, Waqf law was made extreme overnight for appeasement, due to which 123 VVIP properties of Lutyens zone in Delhi were given to Waqf," he said. The Home Minister also spoke of extensive consultations done by the Joint Parliamentary Committee which examined the Waqf Bill. "We formed a joint committee, 38 meetings were held, 113 hours of discussion took place and 284 stakeholders were included and about one crore online suggestions came from all over the country from all these and after analyzing all these, this law was made and it cannot be rejected like this," he said. Participating in the debate, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who headed the JPC, said it is among the most important legislations in the third term of Modi government. The bill was earlier moved for consideration and passing in the House by Rijiju. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 April,2025 08:36 AM IST | New Delhi | ANI