Parliament LIVE: Rijiju Rejects INDIA Bloc's 'Anti-Muslim' Allegations, Recommends Sending Waqf Amendment Bill To Joint Parliamentary Panel

Speaking in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "...It is not right to associate Members of Parliament with any religion. We are not saying that people of different religions should be made a part of Waqf board. We are saying that a Member of Parliament should be a member (of the Waqf board). Now, if the MP is a hindu or Christian, then what can we do about it.? Now, if an MP is added to Waqf Board by the virtue of him/her being an MP, then should we change the MP's religion?",

#WATCH | #WATCH | Speaking in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "...It is not right to associate Members of Parliament with any religion. We are not saying that people of different religions should be made a part of Waqf board.… pic.twitter.com/zeV8feSoZU, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Delhi State Haj Committee Chairperson, Kausar Jahan says, "The amendment is a major and important step towards making an impactful law towards transparent, accountable and equal representation. Under this amendment, a provision has been made for the participation of all sections of Muslim community. The most important demand of the 21st century, the hour of the need, is the inclusion of women. So, what is Opposition's problem? Are they anti-women? Secondly, Waqf properties should not be misused. Waqf properties should be fairly identified. If there is any dispute, there should be a legal solution. So, what is the issue? I think that with this amendment, Waqf Board would be responsible and accountable. I think this will bring down the chances of corruption...This Bill is important...",

#WATCH | On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Delhi State Haj Committee Chairperson, Kausar Jahan says, "The amendment is a major and important step towards making an impactful law towards transparent, accountable and equal representation. Under this amendment, a provision has been… pic.twitter.com/bDY4Tuazd2, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

Speaking in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says," This bill has been now titled - ‘United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act', 1995- 'UMEED'....",

#WATCH | Speaking in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says," This bill has been now titled - ‘United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act', 1995- 'UMEED'...." pic.twitter.com/kdbTo7k53L, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in a statement asserting that the bill does not infringe on the rights of any religious body. Rijiju said that the bill aims to grant rights to groups that have previously been denied such benefits, countering criticisms of rights violations.

"With this bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body....Forget about taking anyone’s rights, this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them," he said.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav expressed strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Yadav claimed that the bill is driven by calculated political motives and suggested that it undermines fundamental rights. He also indicated concerns about potential impacts on the Speaker's authority, calling for a defense of these rights.

"Yeh bill jo introduce ho raha hai woh bahut sochi samjhi rajneeti ke tehat ho raha hai...Speaker sir, I heard in the lobby that some of your rights are also going to be taken away and we will have to fight for you....I oppose this bill," he said.,

#WATCH | Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav speaks in Lok Sabha on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

"Yeh bill jo introduce ho raha hai woh bahut sochi samjhi rajneeti ke tehat ho raha hai...Speaker sir, I heard in the lobby that some of your rights are also going to be taken away and… pic.twitter.com/sy7PRW6I04, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accusing the Central government of violating constitutional principles. In a statement, Owaisi argued that the bill infringes on Articles 14, 15, and 25 of the Indian Constitution and is both discriminatory and arbitrary.

"This bill violates the principles of Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution. This bill is both discriminatory and arbitrary...By bringing this bill, you (the Central govt) are doing the work of dividing the nation not uniting it. This bill is an evidence of the fact that you are an enemy of the Muslims," he said.

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule has called for the withdrawal or referral to a standing committee of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Sule expressed concerns about the lack of consultation regarding the bill.

"I request the govt to either withdraw this bill completely or send it to a standing committee. Please do not push agendas without consultations," she said.

BJP MP Hema Malini defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha, asserting that the opposition's criticism is baseless and that their role is to oppose government initiatives. ,

#WATCH | Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 | BJP MP Hema Malini says, "...The opposition always opposes, that's their work. They label good things as bad. The PM has brought many good schemes but they say that all these things are wrong. I have also seen it from the last 10 years." pic.twitter.com/EGimo1CXpV, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

JDU MP and Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. He emphasized that the bill is designed to enhance transparency in the management of Waqf properties and is not aimed at any specific religious community. He urged the opposition to recognise the bill’s objective rather than framing it as discriminatory.

"How is it against Muslims? This law is being made to bring transparency...The opposition is comparing it with temples, they are diverting from the main issue. KC Venugopal (Congress) should explain how thousands of Sikhs were killed…which taxi driver killed Indira Gandhi? Now, they are talking about minorities," he said.

Opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha, DMK MP Kanimozhi says, "It is a direct violation of Article 30 which deals with minorities to administer their institutions. This bill targets a particular religious group..."

Congress MP KC Venugopal says, "We are Hindus but at the same time, we respect the faith of other religions. This bill is specialized for the Maharashtra, Haryana elections. You do not understand that last time the people of India clearly taught you a lesson. This is an attack on the federal system."

"This bill is a fundamental attack on the Constitution…Through this bill, they are putting a provision that non-Muslims also be members of the Waqf governing council. It is a direct attack on freedom of religion...Next you will go for Christians, then Jains...People of India will not buy this kind of divisive politics now," he added.,

#WATCH | Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 moved in Lok Sabha

Congress MP KC Venugopal says, "...We are Hindus but at the same time, we respect the faith of other religions. This bill is specialized for the Maharashtra, Haryana elections. You do not understand that last time the… pic.twitter.com/cTrybNbRWo, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju moves Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha. ,

#WATCH | Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju moves Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/g65rf2tDow, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to be introduced in Lok Sabha today, Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari says, "This has been the government's intention from before. BJP should change its name and it should be called 'Bharatiya zameen hathyao aur apne apne chaheton ko baant do'. Who are you to take away land given in donations by people?...",

#WATCH | Delhi | On Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to be introduced in Lok Sabha today, Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari says, "This has been the government's intention from before. BJP should change its name and it should be called 'Bharatiya zameen hathyao aur apne apne chaheton… pic.twitter.com/KjnM3rGv3T, — ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2024

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi defended the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating that the government is not targeting any community and accused the opposition of attempting to create a misleading atmosphere. He assured that the bill would be explained in detail by the concerned minister when introduced in Parliament.

"They want to misguide some people in the community. They are trying to tarnish the image of India. We are one of the best democracies in the world," he added.

Congress MP Deepender Hooda stated that despite Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics, she has emerged as a winner in the hearts of millions across the country. Hooda said that it is not Phogat who has failed, but rather the sports system that has let her down. He called on the government to extend all the facilities and support typically provided to a gold medallist to Phogat.

"Today a Rajya Sabha seat is vacant (in Haryana), we did not have a majority but if there is any suitable person in the country to become an MP then it is Vinesh. Because she has emerged as a symbol of inspiration, courage for the world and the country," he added.

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala has voiced his concerns over the Indian government’s silence regarding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics. He called on the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to engage with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to address the issue. Surjewala criticised the Sports Minister for mentioning the Rs 17 lakh expenditure on Phogat, arguing that it is the government's duty to support its athletes without highlighting the costs involved. 

"The whole country is hopeful that she will rise again and fight. But why is the Government of India silent," he asked.

As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is poised to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, former Union Minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has strongly defended the proposed legislation. Naqvi described the bill as a necessary measure to address issues of harassment within the Waqf Board system. He argued that the bill is a "need of the hour," designed to provide a solution within the constitutional framework.

Naqvi urged for a proper and constructive discussion on the bill and also warned against attempts to mislead the public or derail the legislative process.

As the Union Government prepares to introduce a bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram voiced strong opposition, alleging that the government’s intentions are questionable and lack transparency. The Congress MP further argued that the bill should be referred to the Standing Committee before being passed in the House. 

"As I've said, the motives of the government are always sinister and I think we will be opposing this bill and there's been no wider consultation with stakeholders and we think it should be referred to the Standing Committee before it's brought to passing in the House," he said.

Opposition parties on Thursday walked out of the Rajya Sabha in protest after the Chair refused to allow a discussion on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics. Union Minister JP Nadda defended the government's position, stating that Phogat is supported by the entire nation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has praised her as a "Champion of champions." Nadda criticised the opposition for attempting to politicise the issue and claimed that the government, Sports Ministry, and International Olympic Committee had explored all avenues for redressal.