BJP MP seeks probe into ISI, Zakir Naik's involvement in massive Waqf Bill feedback

Expressing concern over the approximately 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has called for an investigation into their origins, including the potential involvement of ISI and China.

In a letter to the committee's chairperson, Jagdambika Pal, Dubey emphasized that the investigation should examine the possible involvement of fundamentalist organizations, individuals such as Zakir Naik, and foreign entities like the ISI and China along with their proxies.

Dubey, a committee member and four-term Lok Sabha MP, stressed the need for urgent attention to the geographical origins of these submissions. He argued that it is statistically unlikely for such an overwhelming response to have emerged organically from within India alone. However, Dubey did not explain how giving identical representations would weaken the genuineness of the opposition to the bill or whether a campaign for public reactions would constitute an offence.

He said it signals a disturbing trend that cannot be ignored. “I believe it is vital that the committee addresses these concerns head-on to ensure the integrity and independence of our legislative process,” he added.

The committee reviewing the controversial bill, which has faced strong opposition from political parties and several Muslim groups over claims of interference in religious matters, had issued an advertisement requesting public feedback on its provisions.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju recently remarked that no one expected the committee to receive feedback in the crores. He noted that in the past, even 1,000 recommendations or representations were considered a significant number.

He emphasized that India has a strong parliamentary system, and any coordinated foreign attempts to influence it pose a direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty. Referring to media reports, he pointed out that a significant portion of these submissions either have identical content or show only minor variations, indicating that many of them could be part of an organized campaign.

“It is not uncommon for special interest groups, both foreign and domestic, to use this tactic to saturate the legislative process with pre-drafted suggestions or demands, giving the illusion of mass public support. This orchestrated effort undermines the very purpose of soliciting genuine public feedback,” he said.

Suggesting the involvement of Islamic fundamentalist organizations, he stated that these groups, often funded or influenced by external forces, aim to divide India along religious lines, destabilize its democracy, and disrupt legislative processes.

He said, “There is reason to suspect that these elements are leveraging the Waqf Bill deliberations to sow discord and polarise public opinion. These efforts are not isolated but part of a broader strategy by fundamentalist groups to manipulate sensitive issues in our country.”

Dubey also referenced foreign entities such as Pakistan's spy agency ISI, China, and extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the Taliban, noting that they have a longstanding interest in destabilizing India and undermining its democratic framework

He added, “If foreign intelligence agencies are responsible for this surge of submissions, it would represent an unprecedented assault on Indian sovereignty and a calculated effort to undermine the independence of Parliament.” He also pointed out that Article 105 of the Constitution ensures the free and fair functioning of Parliament, including its committees. He warned that any attempt by external forces to manipulate the legislative process would undermine the very foundations of the parliamentary system.

He urged Pal to permit the Ministry of Home Affairs to carry out a comprehensive investigation, stating that the findings of the probe should be shared with all committee members to ensure full transparency. He said, “This investigation is critical to preserving the fairness, integrity, and independence of the Waqf Bill deliberations.”