Why Did Muslim Rashtriya Manch Criticize Tejashwi Yadav Over the Waqf Act?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on Monday vehemently condemned Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over his remarks advocating for the “disposal of the Waqf Bill”, labeling it as an assault on the rights of impoverished Muslims, widows, and orphans.
In a press conference, Dr. Shalini Ali, the National Convener and leader of MRM’s Women’s Wing, asserted that Tejashwi’s statements amounted to “a betrayal of the Muslim community” and accused the RJD leader of engaging in vote-bank politics.
“This utterance is a blatant fraud against widows, orphans, and the underprivileged. Discarding the Waqf law equates to an infringement on the rights of needy Muslims,” she stated.
The comments made by Tejashwi Yadav during a rally in Bihar’s Seemanchal region on October 26 have prompted a strong political backlash, particularly from the MRM, which criticized him for obstructing reforms intended to enhance transparency regarding Waqf properties. Dr. Ali emphasized that the Waqf Amendment Act, 2024 aims to modernize and digitize Waqf records, introduce third-party audits, and ensure that revenues are allocated for education, healthcare, and welfare programs benefiting widows, orphans, and the Pasmanda community.
“Waqf is a sacred trust, not a political tool. The Act is formulated to eliminate corruption and ensure that Waqf funds reach those in need,” she remarked, adding that leaders challenging the law are “intimidated by a self-sufficient and empowered Muslim society.”
The MRM further claimed that Tejashwi Yadav’s viewpoint reflects a “political mindset that perceives Waqf assets merely as instruments for electoral advantage.” The organization announced plans to initiate an awareness campaign to educate the community about the provisions of the amended law. “We will not permit anyone to exploit Waqf properties for political gain. The community seeks development, not exploitation,” Dr. Ali stated.
The MRM reiterated that the Act is in sync with the Centre’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” initiative and urged political figures to endorse transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
As of now, there has been no response from Tejashwi Yadav or the RJD regarding the MRM’s accusations.