Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Congress and other opposition parties of opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act to maintain Muslims as their vote bank, while asserting that the Modi government’s approach is “appeasement to none, justice to all.” In an interview with PTI Videos, Rijiju defended the new law, which is under Supreme Court scrutiny, emphasizing its alignment with constitutional provisions.

Rijiju criticized opposition leaders, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, for opposing the Act out of political compulsion, alleging they aim to keep Muslims impoverished and uneducated to secure their votes. “India has over 9.7 lakh Waqf properties, the highest globally, yet many Muslim women, children, and backward communities see no benefits,” he said, stressing that the Act ensures proper management through mutawallis and Waqf boards for the welfare of the poor.

Addressing concerns about the enhanced role of District Collectors in resolving land disputes, Rijiju clarified that collectors are tasked with revenue-related responsibilities, not final authority, and appeals can be made to higher officers. He dismissed opposition claims of unconstitutionality, noting the Supreme Court’s presumption of the law’s validity. The Act, passed in April 2025, has sparked heated debate, with the BJP-led NDA defending it as a tool for transparency, while the opposition labels it anti-Muslim.

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