Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, has assured a delegation from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) that his party will firmly oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 if it is introduced in Parliament.
This assurance was given during a meeting held as part of AIMPLB’s outreach initiative to engage with opposition leaders and state chief ministers. The delegation, led by AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, presented their concerns about the proposed amendment, expressing that it could weaken the existing Waqf Act and risk the confiscation of Waqf properties. Maulana Rahmani emphasized that the bill undermines constitutional principles, threatens democratic values, and could damage the country’s federal structure and pluralistic society.
Soren responded firmly, stating, “We will never support the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament if it is introduced.”
Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, General Secretary of AIMPLB, highlighted the board’s objections and concerns, providing detailed insights into the problematic provisions of the bill. AIMPLB executive member Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas reinforced the call for Soren’s support, describing the bill as a direct threat to minority rights and urging the Chief Minister to stand with the community in opposition.
After listening carefully to the delegation, Soren reaffirmed his commitment to the Muslim community, saying, “I have always stood by the legitimate concerns of Muslims, and I will continue to do so. We will take every step necessary to prevent this harmful bill from passing in Parliament. A resolution against the bill will be passed in our cabinet.”
The AIMPLB delegation also presented a detailed analysis of the bill’s provisions and expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s attention and support. Jharkhand’s Minister of Minority Affairs, Hafizul Hasan Ansari, was also present at the meeting.
The delegation included Maulana Mohammed Yaseen Qasmi, Maulana Mufti Nazar Tauheed, and Dr. Majid Alam, a renowned surgeon. Several AIMPLB members from Jharkhand were also part of the discussions.
