Asaduddin Owaisi Alleges Deletion of Dissent Notes on Waqf Bill, Releases Original Submissions

Hyderabad: AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has alleged that crucial portions of his dissent notes on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill were removed from the final report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) without his knowledge. Expressing his outrage, Owaisi took to social media platform X, calling the deletions “shocking” and asserting that his submissions were factual and non-controversial.

Owaisi responded by publicly releasing the original versions of his dissent notes to highlight his concerns over the proposed amendments. The veteran parliamentarian has been vocal against the bill, arguing that it weakens the rights of Muslim communities and Waqf institutions.

Key Points Allegedly Removed

According to Owaisi, the deleted portions of his dissent notes included:

1. Protection of Muslim Scheduled Tribes: He had emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of Muslim Scheduled Tribe members to establish and manage Waqf properties, a provision he claims was overlooked in the amendment.
2. Political Motivation Behind the Bill: Owaisi alleged that the proposed changes were politically motivated and designed to diminish the influence of minority institutions rather than strengthen them.
3. Exclusion of Minority Voices: He criticized the government for allegedly ignoring opposition from Muslim interest groups, asserting that their perspectives were not adequately considered during the drafting process.
4. Government Agenda Over Waqf Boards’ Welfare: The MP claimed that the amendments were not introduced for the benefit of Waqf Boards but rather served the interests of the Union government.

Owaisi’s Criticism of the JPC Process

Owaisi expressed frustration that his objections were omitted from the final report, calling it an attack on transparency and fair legislative processes. “The removal of factual points from my dissent note without informing me is a disturbing precedent,” he said. He further alleged that the amendments were an attempt to weaken Waqf institutions under the guise of legal reforms.

Political Reactions and Next Steps

The controversy has sparked reactions from various political and legal circles. Opposition leaders have called for a review of the JPC’s handling of the report, while legal experts argue that the integrity of parliamentary procedures must be upheld.

Owaisi has vowed to continue opposing the bill, urging fellow lawmakers to scrutinize the amendments and ensure that minority rights are not compromised. With the bill yet to be passed, the issue is expected to generate further debate in the coming parliamentary sessions.

Conclusion

The alleged removal of Owaisi’s dissent notes has raised questions about the transparency of parliamentary committees and the treatment of minority concerns in legislative processes. As the debate over the Waqf Bill continues, all eyes will be on the government’s response and the fate of the proposed amendments.