In a heated session today, the Lok Sabha saw the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The bill, which seeks to amend the law governing Waqf Boards, has faced strong opposition from several members, who accuse the government of undermining minority rights.
Addressing the uproar, Rijiju defended the bill, stating its necessity for reform and proposing its referral to a Joint Committee of Parliament. He countered the opposition’s claims, suggesting that their objections were influenced by party pressures rather than genuine concerns. Rijiju asserted that many MPs have privately supported the bill, citing issues with mafia infiltration in Waqf Boards.
Rijiju criticized the Waqf Act of 1995, stating it had failed to meet its intended goals and asserting that the current amendments aim to address shortcomings left by previous administrations. He emphasized that the bill does not infringe upon religious freedoms or constitutional rights.
The Minority Affairs Minister highlighted that the Waqf Amendment Bill is not a new introduction, referencing its historical origins dating back to 1954 and numerous amendments since. He noted that the bill is based on recommendations from the Sachar Committee and a Joint Parliamentary Committee formed under the Congress-led UPA government, aiming to benefit Muslim women and children.