Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday defended the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that it is being introduced in the interest of the country. The bill, set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha, has sparked political debate, with opposition parties challenging its provisions.
Addressing the media, Rijiju said, “Today is a historic day as the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha. This bill is in the interest of the nation. Not only crores of Muslims but the entire country will support it. Those opposing it are doing so for political reasons. If there are logical objections, we have answers for them.” He emphasized that the bill was drafted with careful thought and preparation.
Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) President Jayant Chaudhary also extended support to the bill, affirming his party’s commitment to the NDA by stating, “We are with NDA. We’ve issued a whip.”
Union Minister George Kurian claimed that the bill had the backing of all communities and that only “big landlords” were against it. “Poor Muslims and the middle class support this bill. Only big landlords are opposing it,” Kurian told ANI. He further described the bill as “transparent” since it deals with land and property management.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar accused opposition parties of engaging in vote-bank politics. “Samajwadi Party, BSP, and Congress supporters are only playing vote politics. The Waqf Board rules have been amended thrice before, correcting shortcomings each time. Now, further improvements are being made. I challenge those opposing it to name one poor person who has truly benefitted from Waqf Board land,” Rajbhar stated.
The Waqf Amendment Bill will be presented in Parliament today, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress issuing whips to ensure their MPs’ attendance. As the NDA and INDIA bloc remain divided on the issue, the bill’s fate is likely to be determined by the ruling party’s majority in the House.
