Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, describing it as “unacceptable” and vowing to resist its implementation. Speaking to media representatives in Srinagar, Abdullah expressed his concerns about the bill’s implications for the governance of Waqf properties and its potential impact on the Muslim community.
“The Waqf Amendment Bill is not acceptable to me, and I will always oppose it,” Abdullah stated during an official event where he inaugurated free bus services for women in Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks come ahead of the bill’s scheduled discussion in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025, where Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has promised a comprehensive debate lasting up to eight hours.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, has faced criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. Critics argue that the proposed changes undermine the constitutional rights of the Muslim community and interfere with the functioning of Waqf boards. The government, however, defends the bill as a measure to enhance transparency and accountability in Waqf property management.
Abdullah’s opposition adds to the growing dissent against the bill, with protests and petitions expected to intensify in the coming days. As the debate unfolds, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill remains a contentious issue in Indian politics.
