Srinagar, Apr 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday criticized what he called “vote bank politics,” alleging that false fears are being spread about the Waqf Amendment Bill, claiming it interferes with Muslim religious matters and donated properties.
Intervening in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the bill, Shah clarified that the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf councils and boards is solely for administrative purposes to ensure properties are managed as per their intended objectives.
He emphasized that Waqf is a charitable institution where individuals donate property for social, religious, or public welfare causes, with no right to reclaim it. Highlighting the concept of “donation,” he stressed that only personally owned property can be donated, not government land.
Accusing opposition parties of exploiting minorities for electoral gains, Shah said, “Vote banks are being created by spreading fear and confusion among minorities.” He asserted that neither the previous law nor the current government allows non-Muslims to run religious institutions.
Countering allegations that the bill undermines equality or interferes with Muslim religious rights, Shah stated, “Nothing like that is going to happen.” He further claimed that the 2013 Waqf law was made excessively stringent for political appeasement before the general elections, and had it not been altered then, the current amendment might not have been necessary.(KINS)
