Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified rumors surrounding the Wakf Amendment Bill, stating its aim is to protect Muslim properties, not seize them. He highlighted the support for the bill from several Muslim leaders and MPs, including Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu.
Srinagar: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted rumors surrounding the Wakf Amendment Bill, asserting its primary objective is to safeguard Muslim properties, not confiscate them. During a press conference in Srinagar, he explained that the bill aims to return these properties to their rightful heirs, preventing misuse or illegal occupation.
He also stated that some individuals are deliberately spreading rumors that the central government is introducing this bill to seize Wakf properties. He clarified that these claims are entirely baseless and untrue. The minister explained this step was taken in response to thousands of complaints from Muslims regarding illegal occupation of Wakf properties, and this bill will address these issues.
Nitish Kumar and Naidu Support Kiren Rijiju
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju further elaborated on the Wakf Amendment Bill. He mentioned that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu were consulted regarding the amendments, and their support led to the bill's introduction in Parliament by the Narendra Modi-led government. He stated that the bill was passed after receiving significant support for the amendments.
Rijiju also mentioned that several Muslim MPs covertly supported the amendments, though political pressure prevented them from publicly endorsing it. The minister described the bill as beneficial for Muslims and predicted that those opposing it would eventually realize their mistake.
Rijiju on Restoring Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir
Responding to journalists' questions about restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju affirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling its promise. However, he clarified that a specific timeline remains uncertain. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge to the people of the region.
When questioned about the powers of the currently established government, Rijiju explained that his visit was related to the central budget and therefore he could not comment extensively on the subject. He did, however, state that the Lieutenant Governor is the head of the Union Territory, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is fulfilling his role as the head of the administration. Both (the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister) are working together to run the administration.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's Remarks on the Union Budget
Regarding the recently presented Union Budget, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the allocation for Jammu and Kashmir is appropriate for the region's needs. He explained that the budget caters to all sections of society and aims to ensure the overall development and prosperity of the region. The minister also reiterated the government's zero-tolerance approach towards corruption under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
He stated that the central government is taking every possible step to curb corruption and that this campaign will continue until the country is free from corruption. Furthermore, Rijiju added that the central government is continuously working towards pandemic prevention and these efforts will continue until the pandemic is completely eradicated.
