Waqf Amendment Bill Aims to Ensure Transparency, Not Take Away Properties from Muslims: Kiren Rijiju

Srinagar, Feb 15: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill was introduced to ensure transparency in the management of Waqf properties across India.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Rijiju dismissed concerns that the amendment aimed to seize Waqf properties from Muslims. “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,” he said, according to news agency KINS.

When asked about support from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Rijiju confirmed their backing. “I have met thousands of Muslims, and they, too, have endorsed these amendments for the betterment of the community,” he added.

Regarding the confiscation of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) books by the police, Rijiju said it was a law and order issue and that the authorities must have acted for specific reasons. He also refused to comment on the closure of Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, stating it was a matter for the J&K government.

The minister emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led a “corruption-free government for the past 11 years” and challenged critics to point out any BJP minister involved in corruption.

On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Rijiju reiterated that both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had assured its restoration in due course.

Speaking about the Union Budget, he highlighted the Centre’s commitment to J&K’s development. “We are creating world-class infrastructure here,” he said.