Waqf Amendment Bill: Rijiju Slams Opposition, Calls Criticism ‘Misguiding’ and ‘Divisive’
Union Minister Dismisses Opponent’s Claims, Emphasizes Valid Criticism
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has downplayed criticisms of the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, claiming that opponents are "powerful individuals" misguiding the public. Rijiju asserted that valid criticism is essential, but it should be based on substance. He urged critics to provide reasoning behind their opposition to the bill, which he believes is in the interest of disadvantaged communities, including poor Muslims, children, and women.
The bill has received support from various organizations, including the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), which has urged Members of Parliament from Kerala to back the amendment. Rijiju highlighted that this support transcends religious boundaries, showcasing the bill’s inclusive nature. He emphasized that the bill aims to ensure the transparent and accountable management of Waqf properties, which have been encroached upon by powerful individuals.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed similar sentiments, expressing concerns over families in Munambam, near Cochin, who fear losing their land due to claims by the Waqf Board. He criticized political leaders for ignoring the issue, urging them to take a clear stance. Chandrasekhar argued that Kerala’s MPs should focus on protecting people’s rights rather than engaging in appeasement politics.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed the KCBC’s endorsement, describing their call for amending the existing Waqf Act as a "welcome step." The KCBC has criticized the current law, stating that it allows "illegal claims" that prevent people in Munambam from asserting their revenue rights over their land.
The issue has sparked protests among the 610 families in Munambam, a coastal village in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, who have been resisting the Waqf Board’s claim over their land for years. The families fear losing their land, which has been managed by the Farooq College management. The management has asserted that the land was received as a gift, while the families believe it was sold to them.
The Waqf Board’s claim has been a contentious issue, with the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council urging MPs to back the amendment. Fr. Thomas Tharayil, in a statement, called for changes to what it described as "unjust" provisions of the Waqf Act, which it believes are unconstitutional. India’s constitutional values should be reflected in the law, the KCBC argued.
The amendment bill has sparked heated debates, with some critics arguing that it ignores religious minorities. However, proponents of the bill assert that it is crucial for ensuring the transparent and accountable management of Waqf properties. The controversy surrounding the bill has raised concerns over the future of religious minorities and the impact of the amendment on their rights.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/opposition-to-waqf-amendment-bill-misguiding-union-minister-kiren-rijiju-1191613-2025-03-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-31 12:41:00
