Waqf Amendment Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha, Faces Opposition
Waqf Amendment Bill: The Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amidst significant uproar. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the bill, facing b opposition from Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, which prompted a sharp rebuttal from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Amit Shah's Counterattack on the Opposition
Amit Shah clarified that the bill was drafted based on recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and had received cabinet approval. He argued that opposition would be justified only if the bill hadn't received cabinet approval. He further added sarcastically, "This is not like the committees during the Congress era; our committees work thoughtfully and deliberately."
Kiren Rijiju's Attack on Congress
While introducing the bill, Kiren Rijiju launched a b attack on the Congress. He stated that the UPA government in 2013 amended Waqf Board regulations, transferring 123 properties in Delhi to the Waqf. He remarked, "If the Modi government hadn't brought this bill, even the Parliament building could have become a Waqf property. Had the Congress government continued, who knows how many more properties would have been transferred to the Waqf."
Rijiju's Response to Opposition's Protest
Rijiju argued that previous amendments to the Waqf law were never deemed unconstitutional. He highlighted the irony of the current opposition labeling this amendment as unconstitutional. He stated, "One law cannot supersede another; therefore, this amendment was necessary."
'A Change of Heart is Expected'
Concluding his statement, Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition, expressing confidence that those currently opposing the bill would eventually view it positively and offer their support. He said, "One day, they too will have a change of heart and realize that this bill is in the national interest."
