‘Collector Raj Manzoor Nahin’: TDP Leaders Urge Revisions to Safeguard Waqf Interests

Before diving into this question, let’s review the developments surrounding the Waqf Bill. In the recently concluded budget session of Parliament, the BJP-led NDA government introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which has sparked protests from the opposition India Alliance. Additionally, Muslim members of TDP have raised strong objections to several provisions of the bill. It is important to note that TDP is a significant part of the NDA government.

TDP Minority Cell General Secretary Fathullah Mohammad has described certain parts of the bill as “alarming” and urged his party to consult with Muslim leaders before supporting it in Parliament.

In an interview with the Indian Express, Fathullah Mohammad expressed his concerns. When asked about his reservations regarding the Waqf Bill, he stated, “There are at least 40 provisions in this bill that are detrimental to Muslims and the functioning of the Waqf Board. While TDP has welcomed the bill, the changes made in the draft are concerning.”

He added, “The purpose of the amendments is to strengthen the law, but instead, the draft weakens everything. There are five or six key points that need attention.” He highlighted one issue in particular, stating, “There was a provision to include two Muslim MPs as members of the Central Waqf Council. This rule has been removed, and instead, two women are to be appointed. While we have no objection to this, the fact of them being Muslims has been disregarded. The Waqf Board’s role is to protect and manage religious sites such as mosques and dargahs. How can this be entrusted to non-Muslims?”

He also pointed out that “weakening the Waqf Tribunal, which is appointed by the government and headed by a serving or retired judge, is another point of contention. The Tribunal ensures that Waqf properties are protected from encroachments. Now, the bill removes this authority. They may follow the state government’s orders, leading to what could be termed ‘Collector Raj’ over Waqf land.”

Furthermore, he expressed concerns about the proposal to include two non-Muslims in the State Waqf Board, which he believes would undermine the Waqf’s purpose and could lead to further encroachments on Waqf properties.

What does Chandrababu Naidu think?

In response to this question, TDP Leader Fathullah Mohammad stated, “We in the TDP welcome the amendments in the bill. We are not against it, but we believe that the Waqf Board should be strengthened through these changes, not the other way around. I have raised this issue with our MPs and party leadership and met with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Secretary M. Abdul Rafiq, Assistant Secretary Inamur Rahman, and retired IAS officer Haseeb Rahman to discuss our concerns. Our MPs contacted the Chief Minister, who advised sending the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).”

Although TDP is a partner in the NDA, we believe there is room for discussion, and the outcome should be acceptable to all. It is a positive sign that Naidu understands our concerns and suggested sending the bill to the JPC.

It is important to note that Muslims constitute about 12-13% of Andhra Pradesh’s population, so TDP wants to ensure that the community is not alienated by supporting the “controversial” parts of the proposed bill. Concentrated in the Rayalaseema region, this community is considered a significant vote bank for TDP and played a key role in ensuring its landslide victory in the recently held Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.