TD Minority Cell Says Naidu Ensured Waqf Bill Goes to JPC

 Vijayawada: Telugu Desam’s Minority Cell general secretary Mohammad Fataullah asserted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ensured that the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced by the centre is referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for scrutiny.

Addressing media persons on Saturday, Fataullah declared that the bill intends to undermine the waqf board, causing a great loss to Muslims. He pointed out that because of this, heads of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind met Vijayawada and Amalapuram MPs Kesineni Sivanath and G.M. Harish. They explained to the MPs how the proposed amendments in 44 sections of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, would put the Waqf Board in danger.

"The two TD MPs then brought the matter to the attention of Telugu Desam supremo and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. This led to the bill being sent to the JPC for scrutiny,” Fataullah stated.

He maintained that TDP is opposing the proposed amendments to the waqf bill.

He pointed out that under the proposed amendments, the Waqf Survey Commission, which surveys the assets of waqf boards and reports to the government, will be abolished. Its powers will be handed over to district collectors.

“We oppose this amendment. If the power of surveying waqf assets goes to district collectors, the survey will not be impartial. There will be no security for waqf properties," the minority leader contended.