Akhilesh Yadav Claims Speaker’s Authority Reduced, Amit Shah Counters

New Delhi:

The leader of the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, claimed today that the privileges of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla are being reduced and the Opposition will need to advocate for him, prompting a swift reaction from Home Minister Amit Shah.

While speaking in the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the MP from Kannauj said, “Your authority and our authority are being limited. I had informed you that you are the arbiter of democracy. I have heard that some of your privileges are being taken away and we will need to stand up for you.”

Home Minister Amit Shah stood up to address Mr. Yadav. “This is an affront to the Chair. The privileges of the Speaker do not belong to the Opposition, but to the entire House. Do not beat around the bush. You are not the guardian of the Speaker’s rights,” Mr. Shah remarked.

Mr. Birla later advised Mr. Yadav and other members of the House not to make comments about the Chair. “This is my expectation, no personal comments should be made about the Chair,” he stated.

In opposition to the bill, Mr. Yadav argued that it is part of a calculated political move. “When there is a democratic process for elections, why appoint individuals? No one from outside the community is part of other religious bodies. What is the purpose of including non-Muslims in Waqf bodies?” he questioned.

Mr. Yadav suggested that the BJP introduced this bill to satisfy certain extremist supporters following their defeat in the Lok Sabha election.

Opposition parties united to oppose the bill, which seeks to address issues concerning the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of Waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.

The bill proposes amendments to 44 sections of the 1995 Waqf Act. It suggests that the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards must include two women. It also mandates that funds received by the Waqf Board should be utilized for the welfare of widows, divorcees, and orphans as directed by the government. Additionally, it ensures the protection of women’s inheritances. The provision for the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies is another contentious aspect of the proposed legislation.