It all began as local outrage over the Waqf Board’s installation of the Ashoka emblem on an inauguration stone at Hazratbal, one of the most revered religious sites in Kashmir.
Bill was tabled in Parliament Wednesday. It seeks to streamline management of properties & address loopholes in Waqf Act. Critics dub it as an attempt to curb Waqf Board's autonomy.
At a meeting attended by Minority Affairs Minister Rijiju, Minority Morcha leaders raised concerns about the bill, noting it could lead to tough questions during BJP's membership drive.
Okhla MLA was arrested after being questioned for 6 hrs. In January, ED had filed a chargesheet over alleged irregularities in recruitment in Delhi Waqf Board under his chairmanship.
BJP ally JD(U) said it is consulting with Muslim community which has expressed reservations over some aspects of Bill, and that it will discuss these at next meeting, it is learnt.
The key change here is that the State will have more say in the regulation of waqf boards and even allow non-Muslim CEOs to be appointed by the government.
Bill proposes to protect govt properties from being declared waqf, empowers DMs to survey waqf land & play arbiter in disputes, while also limiting powers of waqf tribunals.
'Were non-Hindus part of Ram temple committee?' asks Congress's Vengugopal. Minority affairs minister Rijiju says Sachar committee too recommended that waqf board should be broad-based.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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