New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his comments regarding the Waqf Amendment Act, asserting that he is showing a lack of maturity and is simply attempting to appease the Muslim community in light of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Tejashwi Yadav, who is the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, previously stated that if he assumes power, he will abolish the Waqf Act.

“I aim to inform you that once I become the Chief Minister, Tejashwi will discard the Waqf Board law into the dustbin. When I take the reins, every Bihari will feel like a CM, meaning 'Chinta Mukt' (free from worries). Bihar currently suffers from a lack of quality education, high poverty, and ongoing migration. My sole ambition is to elevate Bihar to the top,” he said, criticizing the ruling NDA for what he described as “20 years of stagnation.”

In a sharp retort, Kiren Rijiju told IANS, “It is astonishing that Tejashwi Yadav, who aspires to be the Chief Minister, is unaware that state governments cannot revoke laws enacted by Parliament. He seems oblivious to constitutional principles. How can he speak in such a manner?”

Rijiju pointed out that the populace in Bihar and beyond is closely observing Yadav’s comments.

“The citizens of Bihar and the entire nation are watching, amused that someone claiming to be a Chief Minister candidate does not even realize that he cannot simply discard a Parliamentary Act,” he stated.

Labeling Yadav as “desperate” for power, the Union Minister remarked, “What kind of rhetoric is he using? Firstly, I believe Tejashwi is immature and uninformed. Secondly, his desperation for power leads him to say anything. To win over Muslim votes, does he really think he can just dismiss the Waqf Act? How can he make such claims?”

When questioned about whether a state government can refuse to enforce a law passed by Parliament, Rijiju, who also oversees Minority Affairs, clarified that no state possesses such authority.

“Every law ratified by Parliament is applicable nationwide, and no one can eliminate the powers granted by the Constitution,” he affirmed.

In a critique of the Opposition's “dynastic politics,” Rijiju challenged, “Can Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi clarify what they intend to do if they do not adhere to laws passed by Parliament or comply with the Supreme Court's directives? Do they not respect Parliament, the Supreme Court, or Indian democracy? The children of these few families believe themselves to be above the law, above the Constitution, and above Parliament. But the nation and its people are observing.”

The Union Minister also accused the Opposition of engaging in appeasement politics as the Bihar Assembly elections approach.

“For decades, Congress and RJD have relied on Muslim appeasement, deceiving and misleading the community. However, Muslims are beginning to see through these tactics, and eventually, they all will. Yet, a significant portion is still manipulated by certain individuals trying to construct a vote bank through misinformation and intimidation, using the BJP as a scapegoat,” he stated.

Rijiju concluded by asserting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire nation, including Muslims, “will thrive.”

“Gradually, Muslims will recognize that true progress for the country can only be achieved under PM Modi's leadership. Everyone, regardless of being in the minority or majority, will find safety in India. This is a widely understood fact, and Muslims are increasingly coming to terms with it,” he said.