Opposition Creates Confusion & Leaves House: Rijiju in Rajya Sabha
The ongoing debate in the Rajya Sabha has taken a new turn with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticizing senior members of the Opposition for creating confusion and raising issues in the House without staying back to listen to the replies. The controversy arose during discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with Rijiju targeting senior MP Kapil Sibal for creating confusion by comparing properties of Waqf bodies with those of other religious bodies.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, aimed at amending the Waqf Act, 1995, seeks to empower the National Commission for Waqf to take over the management of Waqf properties, which are considered sacred by Muslims. The Opposition has been vocal about their concerns, questioning the government’s intentions behind the amendment. However, Rijiju’s comments have sparked a fresh wave of tensions in the House.
During the discussion, Rijiju accused Sibal of creating confusion by comparing the properties of Waqf bodies with those of other religious bodies. He said that Sibal’s comments were an attempt to divert attention from the actual issue at hand, which is the amendment to the Waqf Act. Rijiju’s statement was met with strong protests from the Opposition benches, with Sibal himself defending his comments.
Rijiju’s criticism of Sibal is not the first instance of the Union Minister targeting Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha. In recent times, Rijiju has been vocal about his dislike for what he perceives as “unnecessary” interruptions and disruptions in the House. He has repeatedly called out Opposition members for not allowing the government to present its case and for creating a “chaotic” atmosphere in the House.
Rijiju’s comments on Sibal’s comments have also been seen as an attempt to deflect attention from the real issues surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Critics argue that the bill is an attempt by the government to consolidate its power and control over Waqf properties, which could have far-reaching consequences for the Muslim community.
The debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been ongoing for several days, with both the government and the Opposition presenting their arguments. While the government has argued that the amendment is necessary to ensure the proper management of Waqf properties, the Opposition has raised concerns about the potential misuse of the law and the erosion of religious freedom.
The controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has also led to a wider debate about the role of the government in matters of religion and the management of religious properties. Critics argue that the government has no business intervening in religious matters, while proponents of the bill argue that the government has a responsibility to ensure that religious properties are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.
In the context of the current controversy, Rijiju’s comments have been seen as an attempt to polarize the debate and create divisions between religious communities. Critics argue that Rijiju’s comments are an attempt to divert attention from the real issues surrounding the bill and to create a narrative that pits one religious community against another.
The controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not the first instance of tensions between the government and the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. In recent times, there have been several instances of heated debates and walkouts, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting the House and creating chaos.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has once again highlighted the deep divisions between the government and the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. While Rijiju’s criticism of Sibal’s comments may have been seen as an attempt to deflect attention from the real issues surrounding the bill, the controversy has also highlighted the need for a wider debate about the role of the government in matters of religion and the management of religious properties.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government and the Opposition can find common ground and move forward with the bill. One thing is certain, however, is that the controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has once again highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue and constructive debate in the Rajya Sabha.
