Karnataka Assembly Rejects Centre’s Waqf Bill; BJP Stages Walkout
Bengaluru, March 19: In a significant political development, the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The move triggered a walkout by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which strongly objected to the resolution.
Resolution Moved Against Centre’s Waqf Bill
The resolution was tabled by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, who accused the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) of acting “unilaterally and arbitrarily” in recommending amendments to the Waqf Act. According to him, the JPC disregarded the views of opposition members and ignored established parliamentary traditions.
Patil highlighted that despite the submission of objections from various stakeholders, including the Karnataka State Waqf Board, the Centre chose to proceed with the bill without adequate consultation. “The proposed amendment encroaches on and curtails the executive and legislative powers of the state government. It contradicts the principles of equity, equality, and parity, making it unconstitutional,” he asserted.
Call for Withdrawal of the Bill
The resolution strongly urged the Union Government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. “This House unanimously demands that the Central Government take immediate action to respect the collective opinion of the states and withdraw the bill, which contains provisions that violate fundamental constitutional principles,” Patil declared.
BJP Stages Walkout, Accuses Congress of Appeasement
Opposing the resolution, BJP legislators accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of engaging in “Muslim appeasement.” One BJP MLA went so far as to claim, “This government favours Pakistan, and this is the height of appeasement.”
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the ruling party for ignoring pressing issues such as land disputes affecting farmers. He alleged that Congress was “turning a blind eye” to cases where agricultural land records had been altered in favour of the Waqf Board.
Political Implications
The passage of this resolution adds to the growing political friction between the Karnataka government and the Centre over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. With BJP opposing the move and Congress firmly standing against the proposed amendments, the issue is likely to escalate further, fueling debates over federalism and minority rights in the country.
Q & A on Karnataka Assembly’s Resolution Against Waqf Bill
Q1: Why did the Karnataka Assembly pass a resolution against the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
A: The Assembly opposed the bill, arguing that it curtails the state government’s executive and legislative powers. Law Minister H.K. Patil called it “unilateral” and “against constitutional principles.”
Q2: What was the BJP’s response to the resolution?
A: BJP MLAs staged a walkout, calling the resolution an act of “Muslim appeasement.” Opposition leader R. Ashoka also accused Congress of neglecting farmers’ land issues.
Q3: What does the resolution demand from the Centre?
A: It urges the Union Government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating that it violates federalism and fundamental constitutional principles.
