Amit Shah Accuses Opposition Of 'Fear-Mongering' Over Waqf Amendment Bill In Lok Sabha

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the opposition of spreading fear regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

"That Waqf Bill is interference in Muslims' religious matters and properties donated by them is fear-mongering for vote-bank," PTI quoted Shah as saying during the debate in the Lok Sabha.

Photo Credit: Sansad TV via PTI Photo

Expressing his support for the bill, Shah stated, "I stand in support of the Bill introduced by my ministerial colleague. I have been carefully hearing the discussion going on since 12 noon... I feel that there are several misconceptions among several Members, either genuinely or politically. Also, through this House, attempts are being made to spread those misconceptions across the country."

Shah Refutes Opposition Claims

Countering the opposition's concerns, Shah emphasised, "No non-Islamic member will be a part of Waqf. There is neither any provision for the appointment of a non-Muslim to manage the religious institution, nor do we intend to introduce any such provision. A rumour is being spread that this Act is aimed at interfering with the religious practices of our Muslim brothers and their donated property. This is being done to intimidate the minorities."

'Non-Muslim Members Won't Run Religious Activity'

Clarifying the role of non-Muslim members, Shah explained, "Where will non-Muslim members be included? In Council and Waqf Board. What would they do? They won't run any religious activity. They would only look after the administration of property donated by someone under Waqf Law, whether it is being done as per law, whether the property is being used for the intent with which it was donated."

He further remarked, "When amendments to the Waqf were introduced in 2013, Lalu Prasad Yadav stated that he wanted a strict law and wanted to put those in jail who were stealing. Narendra Modi has fulfilled Lalu Prasad Yadav's wishes."

Kiren Rijiju Tables the Bill

Earlier in the day, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill, which had been reviewed and redrafted by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), was presented for discussion.

While introducing the legislation, Rijiju asserted, "The government is not going to interfere in any religious institution. The changes made in the Waqf law by the UPA government gave it overriding effect over other statutes, hence the new amendments were required."