Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday appealed to certain sections of political parties and Muslim groups to desist from circulating false information about the Waqf Amendment Bill. He insisted that the bill has been made with the interest of minority communities in mind, and any move to resist it would end up hurting them.
Addressing the media in the national capital, Rijiju, who is also the Minister for Minority Affairs, wished Eid to the country.
"There are certain groups, especially from political parties and certain organizations, trying to mislead the public regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. They must read the bill carefully and desist from spreading canards," the Union Minister said.
He reiterated that India being a democratic nation, all people are given the freedom to air their opinions and discuss topics. But he warned against wilfully disseminating false information to mislead and misguide citizens.
Rijiju asserted that the Waqf Amendment Bill would be introduced in Parliament at the earliest and urged Opposition parties to hold a well-informed and constructive discussion on the subject.
Besides, the Minister warned those trying to create disturbances before the parliamentary debate. "Groups inciting and misleading people on this subject are being recognized and closely tracked," he stated.
"I appeal to all to identify the leaders who are propagating misinformation. These are the same people who misled the nation during the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) debate," he continued.
Rijiju also censured the moves to prepare for a hostile atmosphere by applying black bands in connection with celebrations during Eid as it was trying to mislead the people.
Talking to doubts that Waqf Bill will deprive Muslim rights and belongings, he turned down the accusation as uncalled for. He said the system of Waqf already had a history since long back even before Indian Independence.
"Terming the Waqf Bill as illegal and unconstitutional is the biggest lie," he stated, bolstering his argument that the bill is in the interest of minority communities.
Read also| Statehood in J-K to be restored as promised, Says Amit Shah
Read also| Mayawati Condemns Samajwadi Party for 'Dirty Politics' Over Rana Sanga Controversy
