Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, is asking for help from two prominent political leaders. She has urged Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, and Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, to step in and stop proposed changes to the Waqf Bill. These changes to the bill have caused concern about how they might affect religious properties owned by Muslims. Mufti thinks that these two leaders have enough power to make a difference and prevent these alterations.
The changes being discussed could weaken the rights and control that the Muslim community has over Waqf properties, Mufti argues. These properties are meant for religious and charity activities. She voiced concern that the changes could have a “far-reaching consequences.” Therefore, she believes it is crucial to fight against these possible changes and is seeking support from other leaders to strengthen the push for preserving the current bill.
The Waqf Bill is a law that controls how properties given for Islamic religious and charity purposes are managed. Mufti stressed the importance of protecting the Waqf boards and their independence. She explained that it’s necessary to ensure these religious institutions are not damaged. In addition, she encouraged both Kumar and Naidu to use their political power to make sure that “the rights of the Muslim community are not undermined through such amendments.”
This proposed changes to the Waqf Bill are part of a larger national conversation. People across the country are discussing religious organizations and how they should be governed. Mufti’s actions highlight the growing concerns among some Muslims about these proposed changes. This also raises questions about the balance between government control and the independence of religious organizations. Her appeal may mean that political challenges related to the legislation are on the horizon.