Asaduddin Owaisi Criticises Centre Over Proposed Waqf Act Amendments

Hyderabad: AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has voiced strong criticism against the Centre for its proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. These changes, he argues, would significantly curtail the powers of the Waqf Board.

Owaisi warned that the amendments could lead to administrative chaos and erode the Waqf Board’s autonomy. He accused the BJP of advancing a “Hindutva agenda” and alleged that the RSS aims to seize Waqf’s properties. “These amendments aim to confiscate Waqf properties and undermine religious freedom,” he stated. “The Modi government is targeting the autonomy of the Waqf board, which threatens freedom of religion.”

On Friday, the Cabinet approved 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, with sources suggesting the revised bill could be introduced in Parliament next week. The Waqf Boards currently manage approximately 8,70,000 properties, covering about 9,40,000 acres.

According to reports, the proposed amendments would mandate verification for all claims made by the Waqf Board on properties. Owaisi expressed concern that this would lead to disputes over dargahs and mosques. “The government plans to survey these properties, questioning the legitimacy of many dargahs,” he said. “This move appears to strip judicial powers away from the Waqf Board.”