SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, clarified on Saturday that the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill aims to bring transparency to the management of Waqf properties across the country, not to take them away from the Muslim community.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Rijiju dismissed concerns surrounding the bill. “There are some people creating confusion, but that is not true. Our aim is to ensure transparency so that the poor benefit from these properties,” Rijiju stated.
When asked about support from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Rijiju confirmed their endorsement. “I have met thousands of Muslims, and they, too, have endorsed these amendments for the betterment of the community,” he added.
On the issue of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) books being confiscated by police, Rijiju said it was a law and order matter. He declined to comment on the closure of Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, saying it was for the J&K government to address.
Rijiju also defended the Modi government’s record on corruption. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led a corruption-free government for the past 11 years. Show me one BJP minister involved in corruption,” he challenged.
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, the minister reiterated that both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had assured its restoration at an appropriate time.
Highlighting the Union Budget, Rijiju said the Centre remained committed to developing world-class infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. “We are creating world-class infrastructure here,” he emphasized. (KINS)
