Kiren Rijiju tables Waqf Amendment Bill, Congress calls it 'attack on Muslim faith'

The Lok Sabha witnessed significant disruptions as Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced a Bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, and repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. Congress vehemently opposed the Bill, with party leader K.C. Venugopal labeling it unconstitutional and an attack on the Muslim faith.

Venugopal, allowed by the Speaker to speak on the bill, said, "Allowing non-Muslims to be members of the Waqf Board is an attack on the Muslim religion and their faith. This bill is designed for elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. This is an attack on the federal system and freedom of religion."

Congress accused the government of using the bill to divide the country, with Venugopal asserting, "It's your motive to divide the country. This bill is specialized for the Maharashtra and Haryana elections. You do not understand that last time the people of India taught you a lesson."

Union Minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi defended the bill, stating, "This bill is to provide a solution to the harassment happening in the name of the Waqf Board system. This is the need of the hour. Within the framework of the constitution, this Bill is being brought, and it will strengthen the path of development. There should be proper discussion on it but you cannot stop it, you cannot mislead it."

Congress' Supriya Sule requested the government to either withdraw the bill completely or send it to a standing committee, urging not to push agendas without consultations.