Kiren Rijiju Critiques Mamata Banerjee Over Waqf Act Non-Compliance
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Synopsis
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for not implementing the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. He emphasized that states cannot obstruct parliamentary laws and accused the opposition of spreading misinformation regarding the Act.
Key Takeaways
- Kiren Rijiju criticizes Mamata Banerjee for non-compliance with a parliamentary law.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 aims to benefit poor Muslims.
- Transparency in Waqf property management is a key focus.
- Opposition parties are accused of spreading misinformation.
- Numerous Muslims express gratitude to PM Modi for the Act.
Mumbai, April 22 (NationPress) Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday sharply condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her refusal to enforce the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in her state, asserting that a state cannot obstruct a law enacted by Parliament within the federal framework.
He stated to the press, "We operate within a federal structure. If the CM of a state claims she will not adhere to the Act passed by Parliament, it will only provoke unrest. The West Bengal CM bears full responsibility for all instances of violence. She may express opposition, but she cannot declare that she will not implement the Act."
The Union Minister indicated that guidelines would be established to guarantee that Waqf properties are utilized for the benefit of impoverished Muslims.
He criticized the Congress and other opposition factions for orchestrating a "misinformation" campaign against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, asserting that the government will "uncover" their deceptive practices in the near future.
"We will soon reveal those who exploited poor Muslims and deceived them regarding the law's provisions. Such individuals, along with certain politicians driven by vote bank politics, have been disseminating falsehoods that Muslims will lose their burial sites or mosques, and that their land will be confiscated. Speaking such fabrications is a transgression," he remarked.
He elaborated that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 guarantees justice, transparency, and social accountability, particularly benefiting underprivileged Muslim families and women.
He reiterated to reporters that the legislation empowers marginalized members of the Muslim community without interfering in their religious practices.
"We will enhance transparency in transactions as management will be required to provide all relevant documentation. Observe what occurred in Murshidabad, West Bengal. They are disrespecting Babasaheb Ambedkar. Such conduct is detrimental to the nation," stated Minister Rijiju.
He accused those who exploit Muslims as a vote bank of misleading them.
He also claimed that numerous individuals from the Muslim community are expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
When questioned about the presence of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board, the minister retorted, "How did Azam Khan (of the Samajwadi Party) come to lead the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh previously? We never challenged that."
He further accused the Opposition of spreading falsehoods suggesting that Muslims' citizenship would be annulled under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "Has anything like that transpired, even though the CAA has been in effect for more than a year?" he questioned.
In response to a query regarding the National Herald case, the minister advised Congress workers to recognize that their leaders have misappropriated their funds.
Earlier, he addressed a public assembly as part of the Waqf Reform Public Awareness campaign.
