"Irony, rights of minorities going to be protected by a party which has no Muslim MP in Lok Sabha": DMK's A Raja on Waqf Amendment Bill

New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Wednesday strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill and lashed out at the BJP, stating that a party which do not have a single Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha is ironically going to protect the rights of the minorities.
Speaking during a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, DMK MP A Raja said, "The irony is that the rights of the minorities are going to be protected by a party which has no member of a Muslim community"
"Today, it is a remarkable day for the Indian Parliament to decide our destiny whether this secular country is going to travel in the path which was well written by the forefathers of the Constitution or a negative path decided by the communal forces in the country," he said.
Meanwhile, Introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, in Lok Sabha, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday questioned why Waqf properties haven't been used for the development of the nation and Muslims.
Rijiju said that India has the highest number of Waqf properties in the world and questioned why they haven't been used for the education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims.
"When our country has the largest Waqf property in the world, why hasn't it been used for the education, medical treatment, skill development, and income generation of poor Muslims? Why has no progress been made in this regard so far?" Rijiju said in Lok Sabha.
Rijiju also questioned the oppositionits objections to the PM Modi-led government working for the betterment of Muslims
"If this government, under the leadership of PM Modi, is working for the betterment of poor Muslims, then why is there an objection?" Rijiju asked.
Rijiju also noted that the number of Waqf properties has doubled in the country, and their income has also increased.
"Today, the total Waqf property has increased from 4.9 lakh to 8.72 lakh in our country. If these 8.72 lakh Waqf properties were managed properly, it would not only improve the lives of Muslims but also transform the destiny of the entire country." Rijiu said
"On our own WAMSI portal, we have reviewed the records. The Sachar Committee, which was formed in 2006 has also provided detailed information on this matter. In 2006, there were 4.9 lakh Waqf properties, and the total income from them was Rs 163 crore, and after making changes in 2013, the income has increased to Rs 166 crores," he added.
Rijiju clarified that under the new amendment Waqf board will have a broader representation and women will be compulsory member of the board.
"Now Shia, Sunni, Bohra, backward Muslims, women, and expert Non-Muslims will also be there in Waqf Board. Let me elaborate in detail. I'll give my own example. Suppose I am not a Muslim but I am Minority Affairs Minister. Then I become Chairman of the Central Waqf Council. Despite my position, there can be a maximum of 4 Non-Muslim members in the Council, and among them, 2 women members are compulsory" Rijiju said.
He said that under this amendment Waqf board will have a centralised database, no secrecy, and improved efficiency.
"We have worked to improve efficiency by utilizing technology. A centralized database and a digital portal will be implemented, ensuring that no one can secretly create Waqf properties under the cover of darkness. Proper registration, tracking, monitoring, and compliance mechanisms have been established. There is also a provision to rectify manual errors. The bill includes measures to address bureaucratic delays, and finally, proper auditing is essential. We are entrusting the responsibility of auditing to the state governments," Rijiju said.
Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha.
The bill was earlier presented in the Lok Sabha on August of last year and a Joint Parliamentary Committee, headed by BJP member Jagdambika Pal, examined it.
The bill seeks to amend Act of 1995. The Bill seeks to improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India. It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records. (ANI)