Bharatiya Janata Party member Nishikant Dubey has called for an investigation into the source of nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in India. Dubey has raised concerns about the possible involvement of foreign powers like Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and China, as well as fundamentalist organizations and individuals like Zakir Naik. He has expressed the need for immediate attention to the geographical origin of these submissions and emphasized on the importance of preserving the integrity and independence of India's legislative process.
BJP Member Raises Concerns over Massive Feedback on Waqf Bill, Calls for Investigation
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Nishikant Dubey has raised suspicion over the source of nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinizing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in India. Dubey alleges that foreign powers and fringe organizations may be involved in influencing the legislative process.
Background
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in Parliament in 2021, seeks to give greater authority to the government in regulating and administering Waqf properties, which are lands and assets dedicated to Muslim religious and charitable purposes. The bill has faced opposition from Muslim organizations, who argue that it infringes on religious freedom and Wakf autonomy.
Concerns Raised
Dubey has expressed concerns that the massive number of feedback submissions, which were received through an online portal, may have been manipulated or coordinated by external entities. He points to the possibility of involvement by foreign intelligence agencies like Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and China, as well as fundamentalist organizations like Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation.
Dubey has urged the parliamentary committee to investigate the geographical origin of the submissions and identify any patterns or suspicious activities. He emphasizes the need to preserve the integrity and independence of India's legislative process.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is a Waqf?
A Waqf is an Islamic property or asset dedicated to religious and charitable purposes, such as mosques, schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Waqf properties are managed by trustees and protected under the law.
2. What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes to amend the existing Waqf Act of 1995. It gives the government greater authority over the administration of Waqf properties, including the ability to appoint and remove trustees, regulate financial transactions, and audit accounts.
3. Why has the bill been opposed?
Muslim organizations argue that the bill infringes on religious freedom and undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions. They fear that the government will have excessive control over Waqf properties and use them for non-religious purposes.
4. What are the allegations of foreign interference?
BJP member Nishikant Dubey has alleged that the massive feedback on the Waqf Bill may have been influenced by foreign powers like Pakistan's ISI and China, as well as fundamentalist organizations like Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation.
5. What is the next step?
The parliamentary committee is expected to consider the feedback received and make recommendations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Dubey has called for an investigation into the source of the submissions before the committee finalizes its report.
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