Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday dismissed opposition to the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, asserting that powerful individuals who have encroached upon Waqf properties are misleading the public. He stressed that while criticism of the bill is a right, it should be based on valid arguments.
“Who are those opposing this bill? There are a few powerful people who have encroached upon Waqf properties. They are misguiding people by calling the bill unconstitutional. It’s everyone’s right to criticize, but criticism must have substance,” Rijiju told ANI.
He also highlighted growing support for the bill from organizations across religious communities, particularly citing the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), which has urged MPs to back the amendment. Rijiju maintained that the bill aims to benefit poor Muslims, children, and women by ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties.
“The request letter from the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council is crucial. Many organizations across communities are supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill because it safeguards the interests of poor Muslims and ensures Waqf properties are managed responsibly,” Rijiju added.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed similar sentiments, stating that Christian organizations, including the KCBC, are backing the amendment due to concerns from poor families in Munambam, who fear losing their land to the Waqf Board. He called on Kerala MPs to assist affected families rather than engaging in “appeasement politics.”
“This issue has been ongoing for years. It is time for Kerala MPs to do their duty—help people in trouble rather than play appeasement politics. Congress MPs must take a stand. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not against any community but aims to align the law with India’s constitutional values,” Chandrasekhar said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also welcomed the KCBC’s endorsement, calling their stance a step towards rectifying “unfair” and “anti-constitutional” provisions in the current Waqf Act.
The KCBC, in a statement, criticized existing Waqf law provisions that they claim legitimize “illegal claims,” preventing families in Munambam from exercising rightful ownership over their land. The organization has urged MPs to vote in favor of amendments to address these concerns.
With over 610 families in Munambam protesting against the Waqf Board’s claims over their land, the issue has intensified political debate in Kerala, with the BJP pushing for legislative reforms while opposition parties deliberate their stance.