“Opposition misleading Muslims; held multi-layered country-wide consultations”: Kiren Rijiju on Waqf (Amendment) Bill

New Delhi [India], August 8 (ANI): Targeting the Opposition over “misleading Muslims” on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday that Muslim delegations approached him alleging mafia has taken over Waqf Boards and there is a need for amendments.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said, “They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims. Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me. Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they support the bill but can’t say it due to their political parties. I will not take anyone’s name so that their political career is not ruined.”

He also asserted that the government has held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill.

“We have held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill. All the backward Muslims and the chairman of the Waqf Boards of 19 states and UTs started the discussion. A discussion was held with common Muslims in 2023. At that time a meeting was held in Mumbai and suggestions were made as to what should be done to improve the State Waqf Board. In the Lucknow meeting, discussions were held with the top-level people of the UP State Waqf Board, and the views of the common people were also heard. They all said that this amendment is needed,” Rijiju said.

Kiren Rijiju also mentioned that this bill being brought today is based on the report of the Sachar Committee (which called for reforms) that Congress made.

“The Sachar Committee has said that priority should be given to women and children. If someone has given his will and is not given to Muslim women and children, should the government sit quietly? It is our responsibility to this House and the government that if there is any shortcoming in providing justice to poor women, then it should be made up. All the provisions have been made in this amendment. The population of the Bohra and Ahmadiya communities is less, so shouldn’t their voices be heard?” he said.

The Minority Affairs Minister, further mentioned that it is not right to associate Members of Parliament with any religion.

“We are not saying that people of different religions should be made a part of the Waqf board. We are saying that a Member of Parliament should be a member (of the Waqf board). Now, if the MP is a Hindu or Christian, then what can we do about it.? Now, if an MP is added to the Waqf Board by him/her being an MP, then should we change the MP’s religion?” he added.

Rijiju added that this bill has been now titled – ‘United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act’, 1995- ‘UMEED’.

“We are not running away anywhere. So, if this has to be referred to any committee, I would like to speak on behalf of my government – a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) be formed, this Bill be referred to it and detailed discussion be held,” Kiren Rijiju said.