New Delhi, April 4 — Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday came out strongly in support of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, while accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of misleading and instilling fear in the Muslim community regarding the proposed changes.
Rijiju emphasized that the Waqf Board is a statutory body and, like all such institutions in India, it must remain secular in character. Defending the provision to include a limited number of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board, he said their presence would not impact the decision-making process but rather serve as value addition.
He further asserted that the Bill incorporates several recommendations made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and consultations with various stakeholders.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and parliamentary proceedings.
Rijiju emphasized that the Waqf Board is a statutory body and, like all such institutions in India, it must remain secular in character. Defending the provision to include a limited number of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board, he said their presence would not impact the decision-making process but rather serve as value addition.
“The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular,” Rijiju stated, reiterating the government's vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all).
Inclusion of Non-Muslims Clarified
Rijiju clarified that the number of non-Muslim members on the Central Waqf Council has been capped at four out of 22, countering claims that the inclusion would dilute the representation of the Muslim community.He further asserted that the Bill incorporates several recommendations made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and consultations with various stakeholders.
Congress Accused of Marginalizing Muslims
Targeting the Congress and opposition parties, Rijiju accused them of pushing Muslims out of the mainstream and failing to address their socio-economic challenges over the last six decades.He also warned against opposition attempts to derail the legislative process, stating that in a democracy, the will of the majority must prevail.“Muslims are poor, and who is responsible? You are,” Rijiju said in a sharp remark to the opposition benches. “Modi is now leading the government to uplift them.”
"This Is a Historic Bill"
Calling the legislation a “historic Bill”, Rijiju urged Parliament members to approve it in the spirit of inclusivity and national interest.He rejected demands that only Muslims should be allowed on the Waqf panels, pointing out that disputes involving different communities may arise, necessitating a balanced and inclusive approach to decision-making.“We are showing broad-mindedness and large-heartedness,” he said. “Don’t mislead further. In future, no Muslims will be harmed. Instead, crores of Muslims will benefit.”
Stay tuned for further updates on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and parliamentary proceedings.
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