Union Minister Accuses Opposition of Misleading Muslims on Waqf (Amendment) Bill

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition for misleading Muslims on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He highlighted allegations of mafia influence on Waqf Boards and urged amendments. Rijiju emphasized longstanding consultations and the importance of reforming Waqf management, as advocated by the Sachar Committee.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of misleading Muslims regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, claiming delegations of Muslims approached him with concerns of mafia control over Waqf Boards. Rijiju shared this during a Lok Sabha session, stating, 'They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims.'

He asserted that the government conducted extensive, multi-layered consultations across the country, beginning in 2015. Discussions included backward Muslims, Waqf Board chairmen from 19 states and UTs, and common Muslims, leading to a meeting in Mumbai in 2023. Rijiju reiterated that suggestions were made to improve the State Waqf Board.

The bill, based on the Sachar Committee's report, aims to prioritize women and children. Rijiju emphasized the need to amend the legislation to ensure justice for poor women and to recognize voices from smaller communities like Bohra and Ahmadiya. He clarified that MPs from any religion could join the Waqf Board. The newly titled 'United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 - UMEED,' might be reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).