Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the BJP of using proposed amendments to the Waqf Act as a distraction from pressing national issues. According to Chaturvedi, the amendments—which include mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector for evaluation and increased representation for women on the Central Waqf Council and state boards—are nothing more than a ploy to divert public attention from the current budget session’s concerns.

“We know BJP has a habit of derailing, they have come up with this new gimmick to divert attention from serious issues of the country. All these things are coming from sources, no Cabinet minister has confirmed it. As an MP, I feel it is right to react till it is tabled in Parliament,” Chaturvedi said.

She added, “Budget session is going on; the common man of the country is expressing their concern over this year’s budget. This is a deliberate effort from the BJP to divert the attention.”

Maharashtra State Minorities Commission Chairman Pyare Khan, however, has supported the amendments, saying that they are intended to benefit the Muslim community. He accused the critics of spreading misinformation and suggested that those opposed to the reforms are suffering due to their own past misdeeds.

“Those who used to earn their livelihood from Waqf Board, their shops are going to be locked. The government is going to do something for Muslims, so these people are suffering. Our mothers and sisters are going to get their rights. The Muslim Personal Law Board should not oppose the right thing” he added.

He further explained that the amendments should be welcomed as they benefit Muslims. The Muslim Personal Law Board should evaluate the reforms before opposing them.

“Those who built big malls on Waqf land, and sold Waqf property are facing problems. The government is bringing amendments for the development of Muslims. The government did not say that the property of Muslims should be sold to any other community. The step taken by the government should be welcomed and we should walk hand in hand with the government and the country” he said.

The central government is reportedly considering up to 40 amendments to the Waqf Act, which was first enacted in 1954, revised in 1995 to enhance Waqf Boards’ powers, and further updated in 2013 to expand these powers.