New Delhi, August 27: Faced with the prospect of its ordinance lapsing, the government tonight scrambled to convene a meeting tomorrow of Muslim MPs from major parties to evolve a consensus on the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill.
Sources said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Bansal and Minority Affairs minister Salman Khursheed — he has also represented Amir Mohammad Khan, the “Raja of Mehmoodabad” who is at the centre of the controversy — will hold consultations tomorrow afternoon with Muslim MPs. They will also call on Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj.
The Bill, primarily being opposed by the BJP on the grounds that the amendments would benefit an individual, has to be passed by Tuesday failing which the ordinance will lapse.
The government brought two key amendments: allowing “enemy property” to be claimed by the legal heir of the original owner provided he’s Indian. The second imposes limitations on recourse to courts and accords powers to the custodian in the divestment of these properties.
-Agencies