New Delhi, 1 July (H.S.): Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi defended the Waqf Amendment Act and criticized RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for politicizing the issue. Manjhi argued that the opposition to the Waqf Bill stems from a misconception that it targets a specific religion, asserting that the issue is about property management.

He cited the misuse of Waqf properties, which hindered benefits reaching the poor, and emphasized that proper management could have led to the establishment of universities and hospitals with Waqf funds. He claimed the government's intent is to enhance management and prevent fund misuse, accusing opponents of political motivations.

Manjhi asserted that Prime Minister Modi’s law aims at the welfare of the poor in Bihar and India. He challenged Yadav's political credentials, referring to his father's long tenure in power, labeling it as 'jungle raj', and questioned Yadav's governance skills derived from street protests. Yadav had previously announced at a rally that the opposition would repeal the Waqf law if they attained power, claiming the NDA in Bihar is on the decline. The Waqf Amendment Act has thus emerged as a contentious topic in the political rivalry between the NDA and the Opposition in Bihar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar