Supports LA Speaker’s Decision Amid Ongoing SC Review
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)National Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah today termed the Waqf Amendment Act as “against the Constitution,” backing the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker’s decision to block discussion on the matter, citing its sub judice status.
Speaking to the media Dr Abdullah said, “This Bill is against the Constitution. The Speaker made a good decision by not allowing discussion on this as the matter is in the Supreme Court. We can talk about this after the Supreme Court’s decision.”
He further criticised the nature of opposition politics in the region, stating, “The Opposition here is only meant to do opposition; it is not a healthy criticism.” His remarks come amid growing tensions within the newly formed J&K Assembly, with several parties opposing the Central government’s recent legislative decisions concerning religious and cultural institutions in the region.
The Waqf Amendment Act, passed by the Parliament in 2023, gave the Central Waqf Council increased control over state and UT waqf boards, including the power to dissolve or reconstitute them. The move sparked strong resistance from various regional and religious groups, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where the management of waqf properties has long been a politically sensitive issue.
The J&K Waqf Board, which oversees thousands of religious and charitable properties across the Union Territory, was reconstituted under the new legislation in 2023. Critics argue that the changes undermine local autonomy and the constitutional safeguards guaranteed to J&K’s unique cultural and religious institutions.
Several petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act are currently pending before the Supreme Court. Until a verdict is delivered, many leaders, including Abdullah, have called for restraint and have urged political parties to await the judicial outcome.
Political Significance:
Dr Farooq Abdullah’s stance is in line with the National Conference’s broader narrative that accuses the Central government of gradually eroding the democratic and cultural rights of Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The issue of waqf governance is viewed by the NC as another example of Centre-state overreach.
As the matter remains before the highest court, it is likely to stay at the forefront of political discourse in the region, especially with the Assembly session resuming next week amid a flurry of legislative activity and political mobilisation.(DD)
