Waqf Bill a blow to constitution, secularism: Ajay Sadhotra

Jammu, Apr 4: National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra Friday came down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a blatant attack on the Constitution of India and a dangerous step towards sabotaging the country’s religious harmony.

In a statement issued here, Sadhotra said that the bill was not just a legislative move, but a calculated attempt to trample upon the foundational idea of India, an idea that celebrates unity in diversity and guarantees religious freedom as enshrined in the constitution.

“This amendment is a direct threat to the secular fabric of our nation. It seeks to undermine the autonomy of religious institutions and marginalised communities under the garb of legal reform,” he said.

The former minister said the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden and encourage the BJP government to interfere in the religious affairs of any community, be it Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, or even Hindus.

“This legislation is not just about Waqf properties; it reflects a broader pattern of state overreach into religious institutions, raising serious concerns about the erosion of religious autonomy in the country,” he said. “If such interference goes unchecked, it could pave the way for further legislative interventions targeting the management, administration, and practices of various religious organizations. This poses a grave threat to India’s secular and pluralistic ethos, where every faith has traditionally been allowed to govern its own affairs without undue state control.”

The NC Additional General Secretary cautioned that such divisive moves would shatter the delicate communal harmony that has held the country together for decades.

“This is not governance; this is a deliberate pursuit of a divisive agenda that will ruin Mahatma Gandhi’s secular India,” he said.

Sadhotra emphasised that religious institutions, including the Waqf Boards, had played a vital role in social welfare and community development, especially among marginalised sections of the society.

“Instead of strengthening these institutions, the government is bent on weakening them, creating fear and mistrust among communities,” he said. “The NC will continue to resist such unconstitutional and undemocratic measures and stand firm in defence of India’s inclusive ethos.”

Sadhotra called upon all secular and democratic forces to join hands in defending the constitution and preserving the soul of India from divisive politics unleashed by the BJP, especially during the past 10 years.