No Discussion on Waqf Act in J-K Assembly, Opposition Accuses NC of ‘Duplicitous’ Move by Speaker

In a controversial development in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the opposition parties have raised strong objections after the Speaker decided not to allow a debate on the Waqf Act, 2001. The move has sparked accusations of “duplicity” against the National Conference (NC), which, according to critics, is trying to avoid scrutiny on the matter despite its previous stance on the issue. This latest episode has once again highlighted the deep political rifts within the region and raised questions about the transparency and fairness of legislative proceedings.

The Waqf Act Controversy

The Waqf Act, which governs the administration of Waqf properties in India, is a subject of considerable debate in Jammu and Kashmir. For years, it has been a point of contention between different political factions, with the opposition accusing the government of undermining the rights of religious minorities and mismanaging Waqf properties. The Act is intended to regulate and protect religious properties that are given in the name of God (Waqf), but the management of these assets, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, has often come under scrutiny.

Recent developments surrounding the Waqf Act have raised alarm bells, particularly with the Jammu and Kashmir administration seeking changes to the law to bring Waqf properties under greater state control. Proponents of the change argue that it would streamline the management and ensure the welfare of those dependent on Waqf properties, while critics claim it would lead to undue interference in religious affairs and could be used for political gains.

The debate over the Act has been particularly heated since Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked in August 2019, with critics accusing the central government of trying to alter the region’s historical and cultural fabric. As such, the opposition parties in the Assembly, including the Indian National Congress (INC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement (JKPM), have been pushing for a detailed discussion on the Waqf Act to highlight their concerns and demand greater oversight.

Speaker’s Decision and Opposition’s Reaction

On the day of the scheduled debate, Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, a member of the ruling National Conference (NC), intervened to block the discussion on the Waqf Act. The opposition parties, already wary of the ruling party’s moves in the post-Article 370 era, were quick to accuse the NC of shielding the government from any scrutiny on the issue. The opposition’s main gripe was that the NC had previously expressed strong support for a transparent discussion on Waqf management, but now appeared to be sidestepping the matter to avoid uncomfortable questions.

“Today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are watching how the ruling party, led by the NC, is dodging any serious discussion on an issue that directly affects the lives of ordinary citizens,” said an opposition spokesperson. “This is a classic case of duplicity, where the NC claims to be on the side of transparency and accountability, but behind closed doors, they are playing politics with religious affairs.”

The NC’s justification for blocking the debate is that the matter is still under review by the relevant committees, and it would be premature to discuss it in the Assembly. However, this explanation has failed to pacify the opposition, who argue that the delay is a deliberate attempt to avoid political fallout. “The people deserve answers, and the Assembly is the place where those answers should be provided,” said a senior Congress leader.

The NC’s Position

The National Conference, for its part, has denied any wrongdoing and has defended its actions as being in the best interest of the state. Party leaders have insisted that the Waqf issue requires a more nuanced discussion and that the administration is working to ensure that Waqf properties are managed efficiently, without any political interference.

“The NC is committed to upholding the rights of all religious communities, and any changes to the Waqf law will be done with the utmost care and after consulting all stakeholders,” said an NC representative. “The Assembly is the place for discussions, but there are procedural norms that need to be followed.”

However, this response has done little to allay the concerns of the opposition. Many in the opposition have accused the NC of trying to create a façade of inclusivity while subtly consolidating control over religious institutions. “This is about the principle of transparency in governance, and the NC is refusing to allow any light to be shed on how religious properties are being handled,” added another opposition leader.

Political and Legal Implications

The refusal to debate the Waqf Act has broader political implications, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization post-Article 370. The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked a turning point in the region’s political history, with many local leaders and parties fearing that the special status of Jammu and Kashmir would be eroded. The Waqf Act has become one of the many contentious issues that reflect the tension between local autonomy and central government control.

Opposition leaders argue that the NC’s actions reflect the party’s struggle to balance its alliance with the central government while appeasing local sentiments. As the NC navigates its political positioning, the party faces increasing scrutiny over its decisions and whether it is truly representing the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Way Forward

As the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, the Waqf Act is likely to remain a contentious issue. The opposition is expected to continue pushing for a detailed discussion in the Assembly, while the ruling NC will likely continue to defend its stance on the matter. However, the accusations of duplicity and the increasing mistrust between the ruling party and opposition highlight the deep political divide in the region, which shows no sign of easing in the near future.

For now, the debate over the Waqf Act has been postponed, but it is clear that the issue will continue to be a flashpoint in the state’s political discourse, as both the government and opposition seek to control the narrative around religious affairs and governance in Jammu and Kashmir.