From the Urdu Press: ‘Govt should take Muslims into confidence on waqf… its intent suspect’; ‘Sisodia release reinforces public faith in justice’ (2024)

The editorial says that going by the state of affairs in the management of waqf assets across the country, from West Bengal to Kerala, marked by alleged irregularities, malfeasance and encroachments, there is an imperative to usher in reforms and transparency in the Act. For this, an amendment in the waqf law may be needed, the editorial says. “But this process must be undertaken by taking the community into confidence and in consultation with the stakeholders and experts. Otherwise, it will not be considered reform. Despite all its tall claims, the government’s intent is suspect. All amendments proposed by the government point to its bid to take control of Muslim waqf assets,” the daily says.

The amendment legislation proposes to change the composition of the waqf boards in states by allowing for a non-Muslim CEO and at least two non-Muslim members, the editorial notes, adding that it authorises a district collector to decide the ownership of a waqf property. “There are legions of Muslim premises and mosques belonging to waqf across the country. By giving the collectors the authority to determine whether these are waqf assets or government properties, the government could easily take over them,” the edit says.

“The Bill contravenes several constitutional provisions, including those which protect minority rights. The Opposition has thus rightly called it unconstitutional, divisive and anti-minority. Unlike the previous time, the Opposition has now emerged as a strong and aggressive force, and it would no longer be possible for the government to ram any discriminatory legislation through the House.”

SIASAT

Referring to the Supreme Court’s order granting bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader and ex-Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the CBI and ED cases against him for his alleged role in the Delhi excise policy matter, the Hyderabad-based Siasat, in an editorial on August 10, writes that in its order the apex court’s reiteration that prolonged or indefinite imprisonment without a trial should not be permitted, has come as a relief to many prisoners. The apex court emphasised that this was a question of personal liberty, which is among the Constitution-mandated fundamental rights, the editorial notes. The court underlined that the trial in Sisodia’s case has not even commenced despite his 17-month-long incarceration and that there is not even a remote possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. It also took a dim view of the lower courts denying him bail, saying they should recognise that bail is the rule and jail is an exception.

“Sisodia’s release has come as a shot in the arm for the AAP whose top brass, including party chief and CM Arvind Kejriwal, has been in jail in the same case, dampening the morale of the party rank and file. Sisodia is considered Kejriwal’s No. 2 in the AAP ranks, and his exit from jail would boost the party leaders and workers,” the daily says, adding that “the top court’s order has also rekindled the AAP’s hopes that Kejriwal would also be granted bail now”. The AAP has been arguing in courts as well as in public that the now-scrapped excise policy case against its leaders is “unfounded” and a consequence of the BJP’s alleged “political vendetta”, the editorial says. “Sisodia had played a key role in changing the face of the government schools in Delhi.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia hugs his wife Seema after his release from jail, Friday; (below) celebrations outside his home. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

The AAP has charged that its political detractors targeted Sisodia as they were upset over such accomplishments, it says, pointing out that the BJP has rejected such allegations. “For an active public figure, an incarceration of 17 months is a long time, especially in a case where investigative agencies have still not been able to clear the decks for the trial’s commencement. Against this backdrop, Sisodia’s release has not only galvanised the AAP, but has also reinforced public faith in the administration of justice.”

SALAR

Noting that renowned economist Muhammad Yunus has taken charge of the interim government of Bangladesh along with his team, the Bengaluru-based Salar, in its editorial on August 10, says that Yunus’s task is cut out, with the country reeling from crises and economic challenges. “The onus is now on Yunus to steer Bangladesh through this upheaval and restore normalcy and peace,” the editorial says, adding that the Grameen Bank founder is known for pioneering “social businesses” aimed at fulfilling social objectives and finding solutions to public problems instead of just profiteering.

“Yunus enjoys an inspiring and transparent image in Bangladesh,” the daily states, adding that his name as the head of the interim government was chosen by the leaders of the student protesters whose campaign led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. “Yunus had been in the crosshairs of the Hasina regime for a long time. It is another matter that his microcredit initiatives pulled a large number of Bangladeshis out from abject poverty, even as his Grameen Bank experiment has been replicated in may countries across the world,” it says.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus salutes to the attendees upon arrival at the Bangabhaban to take oath as the head of the interim government, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Reuters)

Yunus believes that poverty is a threat to peace and is a major factor behind the menace of terrorism, the editorial notes. “While Yunus is a liberal with progressive views, and his priority would be to push for Bangladesh’s development, the key question is, how much power he would wield and how much authority he would have in running his country?” asks the edit. The point remains that he will have to work in tandem with the Army, the President and even a political force like BNP (Bangladesh National Party led by Khaleda Zia) now, it adds.

“The manner in which students’ anti-Hasina protests were turned into a communal and anti-India campaign at the last moment makes it clear that anti-India and fundamentalist forces were lurking in the wings to seize such an opportunity,” the daily says. “Yunus is aware of it. He has stated that there will be many opportunities to improve relations with India. On its part, Delhi has, while distancing itself from the internal affairs of Bangladesh, reiterated its commitment to maintaining a close bilateral relationship with the neighbouring country for its development,” the edit says. And yet, the Yunus administration is a temporary arrangement whose raison d’etre is to bring Bangladesh back on track and transfer power to an elected government as soon as possible, it adds.