Kiren Rijiju Defends Waqf Amendment Bill, Calls It a ‘Property Management’ Issue

By A Staff Reporter

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday defended the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, asserting that its provisions deal solely with property management and have no bearing on religious sites.

"The provisions of the Waqf Board have nothing to do with the management of any mosque, temple, or religious site. It is simply a matter of property management. However, Waqf properties are managed by the Waqf Board and the Mutawalli," Rijiju stated while introducing the Bill.

He further added, "If someone fails to understand this basic distinction or deliberately chooses not to, then I have no solution for that." His remarks appeared to address concerns raised by opposition members who argue that the Bill could impact religious institutions and property rights.

The introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked debate, with critics questioning its broader implications. However, the government maintains that the legislation aims to streamline property management under the Waqf Board without interfering in religious affairs.