The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has taken a firm stance against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passing a resolution opposing the proposed changes during its Parliamentary Board meeting on Tuesday. The party leadership, led by Daljit S Cheema, expressed concerns over the government’s increasing influence on minority institutions and called for the bill’s withdrawal.

Cheema emphasized that minorities form an integral part of India, and any amendment affecting them should be made only after proper consultation with the concerned communities. The Waqf Amendment Bill, which seeks to introduce new nomination processes and potentially allow non-Muslims to be part of the Waqf Board, has raised significant concerns among opposition parties and minority groups.

"We passed a resolution against the amendments to the Waqf Board. Minorities are an important part of India. The government is increasing the process of nomination and is now considering appointing non-Muslims to the Waqf Board," Cheema was quoted by ANI.

Parallels with Hazur Sahib Board Takeover

Comparing the Waqf reform issue with the takeover of the Hazur Sahib Board, Cheema accused the government of using similar tactics to exert control over religious institutions.

"Before too, the Hazur Sahib Board for Sikhs was taken over through increased nominations. Now, a similar pattern is being followed for our Muslim brothers. The government should put an immediate stop to these actions," he stated.

The Takhat Sri Hazur Sahib Board, responsible for managing religious and administrative affairs of the revered Sikh site in Nanded, Maharashtra, had previously witnessed government interference through increased nominations, which led to widespread dissatisfaction within the Sikh community.

Similarly, the Takhat Sri Patna Sahib, another important Sikh religious institution, is currently administered by the Bihar government, raising concerns about excessive state intervention in religious governance.

Concerns Over Non-Muslim Appointments to the Waqf Board

The proposed Waqf Board amendments include provisions that increase government control over the board’s administration and reportedly introduce non-Muslim members to the decision-making process. This has sparked debates on whether religious institutions should remain autonomous or be subjected to greater governmental oversight.

SAD leaders argue that placing non-Muslims in a governing body that primarily deals with Muslim religious endowments could disrupt the community’s trust in the institution. Cheema reiterated that such reforms, if enforced without consensus, could lead to unrest and dissatisfaction among minority communities.

SAD Calls for Government to Reconsider the Bill

With growing discontent over the proposed changes, SAD has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill and urged the central government to engage with stakeholders before making any legislative decisions.

"Without the consent of the community and proper consultations, no law should be passed. It should not happen that non-Muslims are appointed to the Waqf Board or that government officers gain excessive powers over it," Cheema added.

He warned that such decisions create uneasiness among minority communities and undermine their trust in the government. SAD maintains that laws impacting religious institutions should be framed with due representation and agreement from the affected communities.

Political Mobilization Ahead of Lok Sabha Session on April 2

The Waqf Amendment Bill is expected to be discussed in the Lok Sabha on April 2, prompting both ruling and opposition parties to issue a whip to their MPs to ensure their presence in Parliament.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Samajwadi Party (SP), and other political parties have instructed their members to attend the session, indicating that the bill will likely be intensely debated in the House.

SAD, which has historically been a strong advocate for minority rights, is expected to actively participate in the discussions and present its objections during the session. The party will likely rally opposition support to challenge the bill’s provisions and push for amendments that align with the interests of religious communities.

Minority Rights and Government Control – A Wider Debate

The controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill is part of a larger debate on government control over religious and minority institutions in India. While some argue that stricter regulations could enhance transparency and efficiency, others fear that such measures infringe upon religious autonomy and erode community trust.

Given that India is a multi-religious and secular nation, balancing governance with the rights of religious groups remains a critical issue. The outcome of the April 2 Lok Sabha session will determine whether the government proceeds with the bill or revisits it for further deliberation.

Conclusion: SAD’s Strong Stand Against Waqf Board Changes

The Shiromani Akali Dal has made its opposition clear, arguing that the Waqf Amendment Bill undermines minority rights and religious autonomy. By drawing parallels to previous government interventions in Sikh religious boards, the party has positioned itself as a defender of minority community interests.

With major political parties preparing for a crucial parliamentary debate, the future of the Waqf Amendment Bill remains uncertain. The central government may face increased pressure from both opposition parties and religious groups, demanding a more inclusive and consultative approach to policymaking in religious affairs.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the bill will be modified, opposed, or passed with its current provisions.

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