“A New Dawn Is Coming”: Key Highlights from Kiren Rijiju’s Fiery Defense of Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, triggering a heated debate. The bill, which seeks to bring sweeping reforms to Waqf property management, was strongly opposed by the Opposition, but Rijiju fiercely defended it, stating that it would empower the Muslim community rather than interfere with religious institutions.

Slamming the critics of the bill, Rijiju reassured that the new amendments were necessary and not aimed at targeting any religious group. He also took a swipe at the UPA government, accusing it of making flawed changes to Waqf laws in the past that necessitated the current amendments.

Here are the top five quotes from Kiren Rijiju’s speech in Lok Sabha:

1. “A New Dawn Is About to Come”

“We have accepted several recommendations made by the JPC in the bill and have introduced an important amendment. This will give ‘umeed’ (hope) that a new dawn is about to come. That is why the name of the new act is also UMEED (Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act).”

2. “Unprecedented Discussion in Parliamentary History”

“I want to say that the discussion that has taken place on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Joint Committee of both Houses has never been done in the parliamentary history of India to date. I thank and congratulate all the members of the Joint Committee.”

3. “Muslim Community Is Welcoming the Bill”

“The Muslim community is welcoming the bill with open arms. Some people here are surely opposing the bill, but I want to invite them to my home so they can witness the Muslim delegations meeting me and welcoming the bill, it will change the way you think. You aren’t aware of the level of acceptance of the bill among the Muslim community.”

4. “The UPA’s Changes Had Overriding Effects—This Bill Ensures Women’s Rights”

“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…If today you again try to mislead, spread falsehoods, then you will have to face the truth. Then we will bring another bill, and I will once again unveil the reality… If a Muslim individual creates a Waqf, the first requirement is to ensure the rights of the women in the family…. This bill has nothing to do with religion, but deals only with properties.”

5. “No Interference in Religious Systems”

“The Waqf Bill is not interfering in any religious system, any religious institution, or any religious practice in any way.”

The Battle Over the Bill Continues

While the government insists that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to streamline Waqf property management and protect community interests, the Opposition remains firm in its opposition, labeling the bill as an attempt to weaken Waqf autonomy. With protests planned by Muslim organizations and heated debates expected in Rajya Sabha, the controversy surrounding the bill is far from over.