Waqf Bill Debate Intensifies as Rijiju Recalls 2013 Parliament Land Controversy

New Delhi: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Speaking on the bill, Rijiju said that 'I not only hope, but I am sure that there will be a change in the hearts of those opposing this bill. Everyone will support this bill with a positive attitude.'

Kiren Rijiju said that in 2013, the Delhi Waqf Board had also declared the Parliament building as a Waqf property. The UPA government also denotified it. If Narendra Modi's government was not there, if we had not brought the amendment, then the place where we are sitting would also have been a Waqf property. If the UPA government was there, who knows how many properties would have been denotified.'

He said, 'I am not saying anything out of my own mind. All this is a matter of record.' Rijiju further said, 'Many people expressed their views in their own way, some said this bill is illegal. This bill is not a new subject. Its history starts from before independence. If you think with a true heart, you would have considered it. People have been misled by taking things that have nothing to do with this bill.'

'This is just a matter related to the management of a property...'

Kiren Rijiju said that 'There is no provision of interference in any religious activity in the Waqf Amendment Bill. We are not going to interfere in the operation of any mosque. Kiren Rijiju said that this is not a matter related to the mosque or religious activities. This is just a matter related to the management of a property. If a Muslim gives Zakat, then who are we to question him. We are just talking about its management. This has nothing to do with the religious system.