Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan assures Muslim leaders of opposition to Waqf Act, appeasement policy in action

HYDERABAD: In a move widely criticised as an indulgence in the politics of Muslim appeasement, YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has vowed to oppose the Waqf Bill. The law, which sought to bring transparency and accountability, has been opposed by Jagan despite concerns over its need to protect Wakf properties.

At a meeting with leaders of Muslim minorities on Thursday, YS Jagan reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the Muslim community, highlighting the YSRCP’s track record in addressing their issues. He assured that his party’s MPs would strongly oppose the Bill in Parliament, with MP Vijayasai Reddy taking the lead in the joint parliamentary committee.

https://twitter.com/YSRCParty/status/1826570924566471135

Critics allege that Jagan’s stance is driven by political motives rather than a genuine concern for the integrity of Wakf properties. With reports suggesting that over 70% of Wakf lands have already been encroached upon, the new law was expected to curb such encroachments. However, Jagan’s opposition has raised eyebrows, with opponents accusing him of prioritizing vote-bank politics over the much-needed reforms in the Wakf system.

YSRCP Parliamentary Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy expressed this view in a tweet on X, saying, “As per the decision of our party president Sri YS Jagan Garu and the official stand of the party, the Waqf Board amendment was rejected by me in today’s meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for a reason. This bill has many concerns of various stakeholders and is not acceptable in its current form. As a member of JPC, I would like to hear from all stakeholders and be your voice in the committee.”

https://twitter.com/VSReddy_MP/status/1826587614272455112

On August 8, Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced a bill in Parliament to amend the Waqf Boards Act. The government claimed that mafia elements had captured the Waqf Board and that the bill would not affect the freedoms of any religious organisation.

The Bill seeks to “effectively address issues” relating to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and examination of waqf properties and removal of encroachments. Besides introducing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Kiren Rijiju also introduced the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.