Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the legislation does not infringe upon the rights or freedoms of any religious body. Addressing concerns raised by the opposition, Rijiju asserted that the bill aims to extend rights to those who have been historically marginalized.
“With this bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body,” Rijiju stated. He dismissed claims that the bill would take away rights, saying, “Forget about taking anyone’s rights, this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them.”
Rijiju’s remarks come amidst a heated debate over the bill, which has drawn both support and criticism from various political factions. The government maintains that the legislation is intended to enhance transparency and fairness in the administration of Waqf properties.