BJD Up In Arms Against Centre’s Waqf Bill

BJD on Sunday opposed the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill and mounted pressure on the Centre to immediately withdraw it.

The opposition party’s minority cell staged a demonstration in front of the Odisha Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, voicing its strong concerns on the proposed bill and submitted a memorandum to the Khurda sub-collector. A massive rally was brought out with BJD leaders holding placards and banners, protesting the Centre’s proposal.

BJD demanded the withdrawal of the Bill and urged a reconsideration of the measure of mandating other community members into the Waqf committee. In the memorandum, the BJD minority cell said that the proposed changes in the Waqf Bill have "far-reaching implications" on the autonomy, protection, and governance of Waqf properties, considered sacred and integral to the religious and social welfare of the Muslim community.

BJP state president Manmohan Samal flayed the BJD’s opposition. Samal said that the Centre is committed to ensuring justice for all without appeasement of any particular group.