Union Minister Kiren Rijiju made a scathing remark about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of deteriorating the quality of debates in the Lok Sabha. Rijiju, who currently serves as the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, was addressing a press conference in Nagpur on November 16 as part of his campaign for the Maharashtra elections set for November 20.

Criticism of Rahul Gandhi's Role in Lok Sabha Debates

In a bold statement, Rijiju claimed that the standard of debates in the Lok Sabha had significantly fallen after Rahul Gandhi's entry into Parliament. "We have people who can talk and debate, but the Congress seems to have no one, and those who want to debate are afraid of Rahul Gandhi," he said. Rijiju’s critique was a response to the ongoing parliamentary sessions, where he observed that the Congress party had lost its voice in debates, especially under the leadership of Gandhi.

Rijiju also shared that several senior Congress MPs had expressed a desire for more meaningful discussions but felt intimidated by Rahul Gandhi’s presence, alleging that Gandhi would often rely on chits from NGOs instead of engaging in substantive debate. This comment reflected Rijiju's growing frustration with the Congress party's performance in the Lok Sabha.

WAQF Amendment Bill Support and Political Backdrop

In addition to his criticism of Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju addressed the WAQF (Amendment) Bill, which has been a subject of controversy due to opposition from certain quarters. The Bill seeks to amend the 1995 WAQF Act, particularly by ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims in the WAQF boards that oversee the administration of charitable endowments in the Muslim community. The Bill has been touted as a progressive move to ensure more inclusive representation and participation in WAQF governance.

Rijiju expressed confidence that the WAQF (Amendment) Bill would pass during the winter session of Parliament. He argued that the opposition to the Bill was primarily due to political reasons, suggesting that the critics were not genuinely concerned about the Bill’s merits. Rijiju also revealed that many Muslim representatives, including backward members of the community, intellectuals, and women, had expressed their support for the Bill, highlighting the bipartisan backing it has received.

BJP’s Prospects in Maharashtra

The press conference also touched upon the upcoming Maharashtra elections, where Rijiju is campaigning for the BJP and its alliance partner Mahayuti. He pointed out that there was an undercurrent of support in favor of the BJP and its allies, particularly due to the Ladki Bahin scheme, which he believes will significantly benefit the ruling alliance in the state. Rijiju's campaign efforts in Maharashtra are closely tied to the BJP's broader political strategy, which includes focusing on issues of women’s empowerment and inclusive development.

Opposition to the WAQF Bill

Rijiju also addressed the ongoing opposition to the WAQF Amendment Bill, which has sparked debate over its potential implications for Muslim representation in India. The Bill proposes key changes to the 1995 Act, including provisions to ensure more inclusive governance of WAQF boards by incorporating diverse viewpoints from within the Muslim community and other minority groups. While some critics have raised concerns over the Bill’s impact, Rijiju maintained that the changes were crucial for securing the interests of women, backward classes, and intellectuals in the Muslim community.

In defending the Bill, Rijiju pointed out that the opposition was politically motivated and did not reflect the true views of the people it seeks to benefit. He emphasized that the BJP would continue to champion policies that promoted social justice and equitable representation for all citizens, particularly marginalized communities.

Conclusion

Kiren Rijiju’s remarks at the press conference offered a sharp critique of the Congress party and its leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, while also reaffirming his party’s stance on the WAQF Amendment Bill and Maharashtra elections. Rijiju’s comments underscored the BJP's commitment to progressive policies and inclusive governance, which he believes are essential for the future of India.

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