Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday slammed the Opposition members against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, saying that those opposing the same are “powerful people” while accusing them of “misguiding” people. He further stated that criticising the bill was everyone’s right, but it must be substantial.
“Who are those who are opposing this bill? There are a few powerful people who have encroached upon the Waqf properties. They are misguiding people. They are saying the bill is unconstitutional. It’s everyone’s right to criticise things, but criticism must have some substance in it,” Rijiju told ANI.
Speaking about the letter sent by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) extending support to the Waqf Amendment Bill and requesting MPs in the state to do the same, Rijiju said that many organisations across religious lines are supporting the bill proposed by the central government.
The Union Minister asserted that the amendment bill was in interest of poor Muslims, children and women. It would, he added, ensure accountability and transparency when it comes to managing properties under the Waqf board.
“The request letter sent by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council is extremely important for everybody. Many of the organisations across communities are supporting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. We must understand that the Bill is basically in the interest of the poor Muslims, children and women and also to ensure that the properties of the Waqf are managed in a transparent and accountable manner. We ensure the welfare of the common people,” Rijiju said.
