Waqf Amendment Bill: TDP suggests flexibility to state govts in deciding composition of boards

New Delhi: NDA's key ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had supported the Waqf Amendment Bill tabled in the Lok Sabha while seeking a change.

TDP's MP from Bapatla, Tenneti Krishna Prasad who participated in the debate on the Bill said “I urge the Central government to provide flexibility to state governments in deciding the composition of Waqf boards. This step would ensure the TDP’s dedication to inclusive growth and welfare of communities. I hope the government would accommodate the TDP’s concerns while framing rules for the Waqf Act.” he said.

He also said that TDP had always stood for the upliftment and welfare of the Muslim minorities and in support of this vision, TDP was the first party that advocated for the establishment of the Joint Parliamentary Committee. He recalled that the functioning of the Joint Parliamentary Committee has been both extensive and transparent. The committee's engagement was one of the most inclusive in the entire parliamentary history, he said.

The TDP MP said that the committee engaged with 284 stakeholders, 25 state waqf boards, 15 state governments, and various ministries. A total of 97.27 lakh representatives were received, considered, and discussed. The deliberations spanned over 128 hours and 10 minutes.

The result of this humongous exercise was the 944-page report and a revised bill with 14 amendments.

“Among these, our party, Telugu Desam Party, suggested three important amendments to ensure the welfare of Muslims. One crucial amendment ensured the prospective application of the Waqf-by-User Clause. This means that all existing Waqf properties registered under this provision will remain protected, even without a Waqf deed. By ensuring this amendment, the TDP safeguarded the interests of the Muslim community and ensured that their properties shall remain intact.Our property also played a pivotal role in strengthening state authority regarding disputes over wrongful claims by the Waqf boards,” he said.

Krishna Prasad also said that TDP moved an amendment replacing the district collector with a designated officer above the rank of the collector to handle such disputes.

“This amendment empowered state governments to appoint a higher-ranking officer, ensuring a more robust, fair, broader, and larger resolution process. We feel that there is a need to take care of the welfare and upliftment of the minorities. The TDP also proposed an amendment to extend the timeline for uploading Waqf property documents on the Central Portal. Originally, the bill required registration within six months, but recognizing practical challenges, we pushed for an extension. The JPC accepted our proposal, allowing the Waqf Tribunal to grant extensions in selected cases where valid reasons for delay exist. This ensures that all Waqf properties have sufficient time for proper registration. We feel that there is a need to take care of the welfare and upliftment of the minorities,” added Krishna Prasad.

Both NDA allies in Andhra Pradesh, TDP and Jana Sena, have decided to support the Bill and issued whips to their respective MPs to attend Lok Sabha on Wednesday. TDP has 16 members in the Lok Sabha, while Jana Sena has two.

There has also been pressure from some sections of Muslims on TDP and Jana Sena not to support the Bill. A few Muslim groups had called for the boycott of Iftar parties organized by the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh. On March 29, Muslim organizations also staged protests in Vijayawada against the Wakf Amendment Bill.