Waqf bill unconstitutional, aimed at targeting Muslims: Opposition

NEW DELHI: The opposition continued its attack on BJP over the waqf bill and called the proposed legislation "unconstitutional" and aimed at targeting Muslims.

Congress, TMC, DMK, RJD, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), SP and Left parties questioned the intent behind the bill and asked why the govt was "suddenly focusing on welfare of poor Muslims".

LoP in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge rejected the bill and called it "divisive", adding that it introduced "draconian clauses". "This is against Muslims, not constitutional, and don't try to stoke disturbances in the peaceful fabric of society," he said.

Faulting the clause on inclusion of non-Muslims in the central waqf council and state waqf boards, he asked the govt if it would put Muslims in the Tirupati trust or in the Ram Mandir trust. "I am a Hindu, even Dalits are not in the trust. In so many mandirs, Scheduled Castes are not present (in trusts). You are foraying into all places and meddling everywhere. These things sow seeds of discord," he said.

Opening the debate from the opposition, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain called the bill "unconstitutional" and accused BJP of using the proposed legislation to trigger communal tension and polarisation in society in order to strengthen its vote bank.

TMC's Mohd Nadimul Haq spoke in Urdu and said the bill was an assault on "fundamental rights". In a fiery speech, he said that the bill "violates the Constitution and is anti-federalism".

RJD member Manoj Jha said it was like "dog whistle politics" to alienate Muslims from the mainstream. DMK's Tiruchi Siva said the bill was "legally flawed, constitutionally indefensible and morally reprehensible".

CPM's John Brittas said a "cardinal violation" was happening. "They have already discriminated against people by segregating them. They are now segregating God from God. Hindu God from Allah," he added.

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav cautioned that the govt must prevent India from "shifting towards a totalitarian state". Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut said it was mere diversionary tactics from real issues.