PDP Chief Seeks NDA Leaders’ Intervention Against Waqf Bill
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu, urging them to oppose the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.
In a letter shared on her social media handle, Mufti expressed deep concern over the bill, calling it “unconstitutional, unconscionable, and authoritarian.”
She argued that the proposed amendments would directly undermine the core purpose of the Waqf Act, which is to protect and preserve properties dedicated to religious and charitable causes for the Muslim community.
“The bill comes at a time when, for the past decade, Muslims have been systematically disenfranchised, disempowered, and marginalised politically, socially, and economically,” Mufti pdp wrote.
She accused the government of disregarding opposition concerns, labelling the parliamentary consultation process a “farce” without genuine efforts to engage with the affected community.
pdp Mufti further warned that the bill represents “a direct assault on the fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution” and reflects “majoritarianism that has fuelled bigotry and the marginalisation of Muslims since 2014.”
Appealing to Nitish Kumar and Naidu, both key allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, she urged them to use their influence to halt the bill, warning that its passage could “harm national unity and communal harmony.”
“You have always been staunch believers in our Constitution and have consistently championed the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (composite culture). Today, as key members of the NDA, you are uniquely positioned to influence this matter and prevent this onslaught,” she wrote.
The proposed Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked widespread debate, with opposition parties and minority organisations voicing strong objections. Critics argue that the bill, disguised as a reform of Waqf-owned properties, aims to weaken the Waqf Act’s foundation and diminish protections for properties dedicated to Muslim religious and charitable purposes. (PTI)
