Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, strongly defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Saturday, arguing that it is designed for the welfare of poor Muslims. He accused the Congress and other opposition parties of opposing the bill merely to tarnish the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government's image.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Rijiju emphasised that India has the largest number of Waqf properties in the world and these should be managed transparently to benefit the Muslim community. “All parties have supported the bill except Congress. They are opposing it, but they cannot deny the reality,” Rijiju said. “We are in government—if we do not work for poor Muslims, who will?”
Citing the parliamentary committee report recommending improved management of Waqf properties, Rijiju said that the amendments aim to bring greater transparency and accountability in their administration, ensuring that these assets serve their intended purpose—uplifting the community.
Rijiju said the bill has received support from key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, including Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Telugu Desam Party leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Additionally, he claimed several Muslim MPs have privately expressed their approval of the bill. “Even Muslim MPs have no objections; some have privately expressed their approval to me,” he said.
Praising the Union budget, Rijiju highlighted its key benefits, particularly for artisans, farmers, and small business owners. He said the budget has introduced provisions to support local industries, including Kashmiri handicrafts, ensuring they reach global markets through a structured export initiative. “Kashmir is on its way to becoming one of India’s most prosperous and popular tourist destinations,” he said.
Rijiju said the completion of tunnels and railway projects has significantly improved connectivity, reducing travel difficulties that had long hindered economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
He contrasted the current economic trajectory with the situation before Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, arguing that Jammu and Kashmir is now progressing at an unprecedented pace.
Addressing concerns about corruption, he said the Modi government’s has taken strict against corruption. He underscored the government’s commitment to transparency and good governance, ensuring that public resources are used effectively for the benefit of the people.
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During the visit, Rijiju was accompanied by local BJP leaders, including Darakshan Andrabi, chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, and BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi.
He is scheduled to meet several delegations, including representatives from the tourism sector, to discuss the recent budget and gather feedback from business owners and community leaders. The delegations are expected to raise concerns about their industries and seek central government support to strengthen Kashmir’s economic landscape further.
Rijiju’s visit is part of the Modi government’s broader outreach efforts to engage with key stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that economic and social reforms effectively reach the grassroots level.