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Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has endorsed the central government's decision to refer the Waqf Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, stressing that the rights of minorities must be safeguarded.
On Friday evening, Chennithala stated, "The government introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha without consulting anyone. It's positive that a Joint Parliamentary Committee has been formed; this will allow for necessary discussions." "We must ensure that minorities' rights are protected," he added. Earlier on August 9, a Joint Parliamentary Committee was established to review the Waqf Amendment Bill. The committee includes 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. Union Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal remarked that the Waqf Board Amendment Bill aims to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice. "The bill will bring accountability and transparency, ensuring that those deserving of justice receive it. The amendments in 1995 and 2013 were brought for similar reasons. Our government is committed to transparent governance." Meghwal further commented, "The government does not operate on the basis of religion; this is a political narrative pushed by the Congress and the opposition. Our agenda is justice. When we introduced the Triple Talaq Resolution Bill, similar objections were raised, but the public benefitted. Congress, driven by appeasement, ignored this bill earlier. Our government, however, is committed to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, including ensuring justice for the oppressed in the Muslim community." On August 8, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which amends the Waqf Act, 1995. Opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, NCP, Trinamool Congress, and AIMIM, strongly opposed the bill, arguing that its provisions contradict federalism and constitutional principles. While some members called for the bill's withdrawal, others suggested it be referred to a standing committee. (ANI)
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