This move comes in response to prolonged unrest in the northeastern state.
Amit Shah said, "If the Waqf law had not been amended in 2013, this bill would not have been necessary."
Earlier in the day, Stalin said the bill was an “attack on the structure of the Constitution” and confirmed that DMK would approach the Supreme Court.
Amit Shah alleged that the 2013 amendment was passed in haste ahead of elections for appeasement purposes.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the Waqf (Amendment) Bill debate, clarified that non-Muslim members of the Waqf board will have no role in religious affairs. He accused the opposition of spreading misconceptions to create fear among minorities for political gains. Shah emphasized that the Waqf Act and Board were established in 1995 and that the new amendments do not interfere with religious practices. He explained that non-Muslim members will only oversee administrative and financial matters, ensuring donations are used properly. He reassured that the bill does not alter Waqf management but enhances transparency and accountability.
Explaining the scope of the Bill, Shah clarified that non-Muslim members will only be included in the Waqf Council and Waqf Board — and strictly for administrative roles.
Before Rijiju rose to speak, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Waqf Bill, saying that all procedures, including setting up a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), were followed in the Waqf Bill.
BJP is considering a major leadership change in Tamil Nadu, with the future of current president K. Annamalai hanging in the balance. Sources indicate that a decision on his removal may take up to two weeks. Several front-runners have emerged to potentially replace Annamalai, including BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan from Coimbatore South, MLA Nainar Nagendran from Tirunelveli, and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana. The AIADMK, a crucial ally for BJP in Tamil Nadu, has reportedly made the removal of Annamalai a condition for their alliance in the upcoming 2024 assembly elections. During a recent meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, this demand was emphasized. In response, Annamalai stated he is willing to work even as a regular BJP cadre. Under Annamalai's leadership, BJP has experienced significant growth in vote share, jumping from 3.66% in 2019 to 10.72% in 2024. Despite this progress, the party did not secure any seats. Prime Minister Modi had previously praised Annamalai for his efforts, but now, with the alliance at stake, the BJP faces a tough decision on whether to sacrifice Annamalai in its push to challenge the DMK led by MK Stalin.
His future role within the party remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from continuing in his current position to taking on a national role.
The Bill establishes a new legal framework to monitor entry, transit, and stay, replacing four colonial-era laws with a single, centralised system
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses India’s growing stature as the fifth-largest economy and a global manufacturing hub. He emphasizes that while India welcomes contributions from people worldwide, it will not tolerate any threats to national security. Amit Shah specifically highlights the increasing number of people seeking refuge in India for personal gain and engaging in activities that create unrest. He warns that strict action will be taken against those trying to disrupt peace, including the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, who may pose a threat to India's safety and stability.
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