Maharashtra: All India Ulema Board Flags Concerns Over Waqf Bill, Welcomes Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s Opposition

Mumbai: Days after the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Parliament and is set to become a law, various organisations of Muslim community led by All India Ulema Board has raised serious concerns even as they welcomed the decision of Shiv Sena (UBT) head and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in opposing it.

All India Ulema Board's National General Secretary Allam Bonai Naeem Hasni and representatives of several other Muslim organisations, leaders, scholars addressed a press conference to flag various issues.

“The Bill was first tabled in parliament in August last year but was sent to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) after the opposition parties flagged issues. The version that has been passed incorporates several changes suggested by the sharply divided committees. Now it has been passed in the Parliament,” Hasni said, pointing out that once the President gives assent, it would become a law.

The Waqf properties include mosques, madrassas, shelter homes and thousands of acres of land donated by Muslims, and are managed by boards.

According to him, Thackeray has taken the right step in opposing it as the land under the control of Waqf authorities now can be released for other purposes.

“The objective of this Bill is to weaken the institution of Waqf and make it ineffective,” the leaders said in the press conference.

The Waqf Bill—now renamed as Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, will not serve any purpose.