New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today, claiming it was in the nation’s best interest. Rijiju argued that opposition to the bill was politically motivated, asserting that any logical objections could be countered with facts.
Speaking to the media, Rijiju emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “Today is a historic day, and the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha in the interest of the country. Not only crores of Muslims but the entire country will support it. Those opposing it are doing so for political reasons. I will present the facts in the House, and I also hope that those opposing it will do so on the basis of logic.”
Rijiju further highlighted the extensive thought and preparation that went into the bill’s introduction. “When we bring forward such a bill, we do so after careful consideration and planning,” he added.
Support for the bill also came from Union Minister and RLD President Jayant Chaudhary, who voiced his backing, saying, “We are with NDA. We’ve issued a whip.” Similarly, Union Minister George Kurian noted that the bill enjoyed widespread support among various communities, emphasizing that only large landlords were opposing it. “All communities support this amendment bill. Poor Muslims and the middle class are in favor, while only the big landlords oppose it,” Kurian said.
Kurian also praised the transparency of the bill, explaining that it primarily deals with land and property issues, making it more transparent. “It is very transparent because it is connected to land and property,” he stated.
Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar lashed out at opposition parties, accusing them of indulging in “vote politics.” “Samajwadi Party, BSP, and Congress supporters are doing vote politics,” Rajbhar said, defending the bill’s intent. He further pointed out that the Waqf Board rules had been amended three times previously, with changes made to address any shortcomings and ensure benefits reached those entitled to them.
“The Waqf Board rules have been amended thrice before, and the shortcomings corrected over time. Now, we are further improving it. I challenge those opposing it to name a single poor person who has benefitted from Waqf Board land. The government aims to ensure that those under the Waqf Board rules receive the benefits, but these people are opposing it just for votes,” Rajbhar added.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be tabled in Parliament today, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress issuing whips to ensure their MPs’ attendance. With little sign of a bipartisan consensus, the outcome will likely depend on the majority numbers present in the House. (Agencies)
Tags: Northlines, Kiren Rijiju
