NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has responded to the opposition against the Waqf Amendment Bill. He said in the House that being able to introduce the Waqf Amendment Bill was the greatest blessing he had received as a non-Muslim. The Bill introduced in the House was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny.

"It is not fair to address members of parliament with their religion. The bill does not say that members of various religions should be members of the Waqf Board. It is suggested that an MP should also be a member of the board. What can be done if an MP belongs to Hindu or Christian religion? Can he change his religion because he is becoming a member of the Waqf Board?', said Rijiju.

"The opposition is misleading the Muslims. Various Muslim delegations visited me till last night. Many MPs said that the Waqf Boards have been taken over by mafias. Many MPs said they were personally in favour of the bill but could not say so as it was not the party's position. The bill was brought after country-wide consultations at many levels," he said.

"The bill was brought to fulfill what the Congress could not do. The opposition is opposing the bill with political motives. The Bill is not brought to interfere with the governance of any religion. The bill and its opponents and supporters will be part of history. Before opposing the Bill, remember the thousands of common people. They should be respected', added Rijiju.