Bihar JD(U) MLC Ghulam Gaus Opposes Waqf Amendment Bill, Calls It an Attack on Religious Rights

Patna (Bihar) [India], April 1: Bihar's Janata Dal (United) MLC Ghulam Gaus has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, alleging that it is an attack on religious matters and part of a pattern of unfair policies targeting minorities. Gaus, speaking to ANI on Monday, criticized the central government for repeatedly introducing policies that he claims infringe upon minority rights.

"I was the first person to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill. Ever since this central government has come, sometimes there is love jihad, CAA, mob lynching, triple talaq, and now this. This is our religious matter... you (the Centre) did nothing to protect our rights," Gaus stated.

The JD(U) leader also raised concerns about the discontinuation of the scholarship provided by the Maulana Azad Foundation, arguing that such moves weaken the principle of unity in diversity. He further stated that he would bring up these concerns with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Congress MP and General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh also slammed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a "direct attack on the Constitution." He vowed to protest against its implementation and urged NDA allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and JD(U) to clarify their stance.

"The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a direct attack on the Constitution and its foundation. It has been bulldozed through the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee). If they implement it, we will oppose it democratically," Ramesh told ANI.

He further emphasized that all major opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), are against the bill. However, he questioned the position of JD(U) and TDP, which have historically portrayed themselves as secular parties.

Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Waqf Amendment Bill would be tabled in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament, which is scheduled to conclude on April 4.

The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, also known as the 'Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill,' aims to introduce reforms such as digitization of Waqf records, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. The original Waqf Act of 1995, which was enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long faced criticism over allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

As political tensions rise over the bill, all eyes are on the stance of regional parties like JD(U) and TDP, whose response could play a crucial role in shaping the debate on this contentious legislation.