Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Opposition, accusing them of misleading Muslims regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Rijiju claimed that Muslim delegations had approached him, expressing concerns that mafia elements had infiltrated Waqf Boards and underscoring the need for legislative amendments.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju asserted, “The Opposition is misleading Muslims. Just last night, several Muslim delegations approached me, alleging that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Many MPs have indicated their support for the bill but are constrained by their political affiliations. I will refrain from naming individuals to protect their political careers.”
The Minister stressed that the government had conducted extensive consultations across the country regarding the bill. He noted that these consultations began after 2015 and included discussions with backward Muslims and the chairpersons of Waqf Boards from 19 States and Union Territories. In 2023, additional discussions were held with ordinary Muslims in Mumbai and Lucknow, which reinforced the perceived need for the amendment.
Rijiju highlighted that the bill aligns with the recommendations of the Sachar Committee, which had previously called for reforms.
“The Sachar Committee emphasised prioritising women and children. If a will excludes Muslim women and children, should the government remain passive? It is our duty to address any shortcomings in justice for the underprivileged, as stipulated by this amendment. We must also consider the voices of smaller communities such as the Bohra and Ahmadiya,” he said.
Addressing concerns about religious representation, Rijiju stated that the bill does not advocate for religious quotas within Waqf boards. Instead, it proposes that Members of Parliament, regardless of their religion, should be part of these boards. “If an MP, regardless of their religion, is appointed to the Waqf Board, we cannot change their religion. The focus is on the effectiveness and management of the board,” he explained.
Rijiju also announced that the bill has been renamed to the ‘United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act’ or UMEED of 1995. He expressed willingness to refer the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination, affirming, “We are committed to transparency and thorough discussion.”
