The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has accused the Opposition of trying to tease and play with the emotions of the people by sharing videos of themselves eating non-vegetarian food during the holy month of Sawan. He compared this behavior to the mindset of the Mughals, who would attack Indian rulers not just to defeat them but also to destroy temples as a way to consolidate their rule. Responding to PM Modi's comments, Tejashwi Yadav stated that the public wants an account of the actions taken by the government to improve the state of Bihar, rather than irrelevant allegations.
The Parliament panel on Waqf bill has recommended 14 changes to the Waqf Amendment Bill's draft version, including distinguishing between Muslim and non-Muslim members and giving authority of determining 'waqf' properties to state-appointed officers instead of the District Collector. The Opposition has alleged that none of its amendments have been incorporated. The bill seeks to make 44 changes to the management of Muslim charitable properties in India.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Jharkhand government's Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court's ruling in the Jharkhand Secretariat siege case. The apex court criticized the misuse of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to curb protests and upheld the High Court's decision to quash the FIR filed against 28 BJP leaders for allegedly inciting violence during a protest. The case arose from the BJP's call for a secretariat siege to protest against the Hemant Soren-led government.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has released a video mocking Arvind Kejriwal's promise to turn Delhi into Paris, highlighting the city's open sewers and unfinished construction. The taunt comes after Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Kejriwal, accusing him of not doing enough to tackle issues like inflation and pollution. He also compared Kejriwal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying both made "false promises."
As Delhi counts down to its assembly polls, controversial figure and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted parole for a month. This is the first time he will be staying at his dera's headquarters in Sirsa, rather than at their ashram in Uttar Pradesh. This move has raised eyebrows as it has often coincided with elections in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, where the Dera's followers are said to have a significant presence.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has recently approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 along with several crucial changes. These changes include shifting the authority for determining Waqf properties from the District Collector to the state government and increasing the number of members on Waqf Councils to include at least two non-Muslim members. The bill also empowers the state government to handle disputes related to property determination.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has stated that there is widespread support for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing and when the time is right, the UCC will be implemented. This statement comes after Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC, fulfilling a key commitment made by the BJP ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections. The UCC law, which promotes equal laws for all citizens, aims to simplify legal processes related to marriage and ensure social harmony.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf boards in India, has sparked outcry and debate among lawmakers and activists. Proponents of the bill argue that it will enhance administrative efficiency and protect the interests of religious endowments. However, opposition members have raised concerns about potential encroachments on minority rights and the lack of transparency in the legislative process. Amid growing tensions and speculation about political motivations, legal experts and activists are calling for greater inclusivity to ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process.
In a significant turn of events, the NDA has rejected all amendments suggested by Opposition members in the Joint Parliamentary Committee's discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The ruling alliance has instead adopted their own set of changes, including increasing the number of non-Muslim members on the panel and allowing state government officials to oversee Waqf properties. The decision was reached after a clause-by-clause voting, where 16 ruling government MPs voted in favor of the amendments.
In a move that could potentially affect the management of Muslim charitable properties in India, a joint parliamentary committee has voted in favour of 14 changes proposed for the Waqf Amendment Bill. These changes include altering the composition of waqf councils to have members belonging to different faiths, as well as shifting the responsibility of determining 'waqf' properties from the District Collector to a state nominated officer. The changes were proposed by BJP members, sparking political discussions and criticism from opposition parties.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders for participating in the Mahakumbh and accused them of using it for political gain. BJP has fired back, accusing Congress of being anti-Hindu. The controversy highlights the tense political climate in India ahead of the upcoming elections.