New Delhi [India], March 27 (ANI): Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar criticised AIMPLB for its nationwide agitation against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, stating that while protesting is a democratic right, the issues raised have already been thoroughly discussed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

He explained that after extensive consultations across the country, the JPC concluded that the amendment is designed to safeguard Waqf properties and ensure the welfare of the Muslim community, particularly women and children in need.

'Protesting is a right in a democracy. There are fundamental rights in India, too. But where did you discuss the issues on which this is being done? JPC did it, went all over the country and then after talking to everyone, it was found that the amendment of Waqf is for the welfare of the Muslim community. This is to protect the properties of Waqf,' said Kumar.

'The money from Waqf is for needy women and children. Therefore, JPC has also given a decision. This will also be considered in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. There is a platform to put forward your point there. I think that if the Muslim community does not get misled and thinks honestly, they will feel that the property given to Allah should be used properly. This is the intention of this bill,' he added.

A large-scale protest was held in Patna on Wednesday against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as part of a nationwide agitation launched by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).

People from across Bihar and various parts of the country gathered to oppose the bill, strongly condemning it as illegal and a direct attack on the rights of Muslims.

Protesters alleged that the government was trying to seize Waqf properties that were dedicated by their forefathers for the welfare of the people. They claimed that the government is unlawfully attempting to take control of these properties.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, also joined the protest organised by AIMPLB against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Addressing the protestors, Tejashwi assured them that his party and its leader, Lalu Yadav, firmly stand with them in their fight against the 'unconstitutional' Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that Waqf properties are utilised for their intended purposes, benefiting both the Muslim community and the country as a whole

Earlier, BJP MP and chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Jagadambika Pal, criticised AIMPLB for its agitation, accusing the board of politicising the issue.

Pal stated, 'The way AIMPLB is doing politics in the name of Waqf, they are trying to mislead the minorities and Muslims of the country.'

Pal further addressed the controversy surrounding the bill, referring to the Joint Parliamentary Committee's (JPC) report, which indicated that the government is preparing to introduce the amended law. He pointed out that despite the bill not being passed yet, AIMPLB was already organising protests based on political motives. (ANI)