Anything unconstitutional can't be accepted, says Speaker U T Khader on Waqf Bill

Mangaluru: Observing the way opposition parties have been resisting the Central Government's Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, officially known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Joint Parliamentary Committee, Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader said that it appears that the Bill may be unconstitutional in nature.

"Anything that is unconstitutional is not acceptable. Those opposing it argue that the draft Bill is biased and has been introduced with a specific agenda. Any amendment should align with the aspirations of the Constitution drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar," he told mediapersons when asked about his stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill.

"If the amendments do not uphold the spirit of the Constitution, people will not be able to live peacefully in this country. No amendment should be introduced with malicious intent. Many have already submitted objections to the draft Bill," Khader added.

When questioned about the police failing to take action against BJP MLAs for making provocative statements regarding the disappearance of a second-year PU student, he said, "The SP has informed that the police are currently seeking legal opinion before filing any case. However, the people of Farangipete were not swayed by the provocative speeches and remained united in support of the family."

Regarding Hindutva leader Chakravarthy Sulibele's controversial statements at the Koragajja Kshetra in Kuthar, the Speaker remarked that the annual foot march to the Koragajja Kshetra has always been a tradition, but some speakers attempted to create divisions through their remarks.

"However, the people in the area largely ignored such attempts. Speaking against communal forces alone is not secularism. True secularism is about uniting society through trust, love, and brotherhood. When communal forces attempt to divide us, our response should be unity," he asserted.

Emphasising the need for communal harmony, he stated that hate politics and jealousy will not provide solutions to societal issues.

Reflecting on his political career, he said, "I am content with whatever position is given to me. Even if I am asked to retire from politics, I will do so happily and live a peaceful life. With the blessings of God and my voters, I may achieve higher positions in the future as well. But for now, I am satisfied with whatever role I have been entrusted with."