English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Kiren Rijiju slams UPA over waqf claims, defends amendments as property governance

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led UPA government during the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing it of controversial waqf property decisions and defending the bill as essential for governance reform.

Published

1 year ago

on

Kiren Rijiju speaks on Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led UPA government during the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill, alleging that the previous regime had denotified properties, including the Parliament building, in favour of the Delhi Waqf Board.

Rijiju claimed that “123 major buildings” were handed over to the Waqf Board during the UPA’s tenure and said, “If Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government did not come to power… even the building we are sitting in could have been claimed as Waqf property.”

Rijiju calls bill a property management reform

The minister insisted that the Waqf Amendment Bill does not interfere with religious aspects but focuses solely on governance and supervision of waqf properties. He stated that the amendments aim to resolve property management concerns and do not change the administration of mosques.

He further said that the government had removed a clause in the existing law that allowed any land to be declared waqf property, calling it a “draconian provision”. Rijiju accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and politicising the bill, adding, “Appeasement does not lead to votes.”

Proposed changes aim for inclusivity

Highlighting the bill’s key proposals, Rijiju said it aims to make waqf boards more inclusive and secular. The new provisions include mandating two non-Muslim members and at least two women in every state waqf board and the Central Waqf Council.

Rijiju also questioned the current lack of female representation and said the amendments would ensure gender inclusion.

Opposition protests over committee changes

The debate saw resistance from opposition members including NK Ramachandran and KC Venugopal, who criticised the changes introduced by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). They argued that the JPC was not authorised by the House to make such amendments.

Speaker Om Birla, however, maintained that equal time was given for debate. Home Minister Amit Shah also intervened, stating that the committee only offered suggestions which were later cleared by the Union Cabinet, countering allegations of unilateral decisions.

Shah further took a dig at the Congress, asserting that the BJP-led committees were not “rubber stamp” panels, unlike during the Congress rule.

Timeline and controversy around the bill

Originally tabled in August last year, the Waqf Amendment Bill was met with sharp protests. It was referred to a JPC, which submitted its report in February. The committee’s review process saw frequent disruptions and even an instance of physical altercation.

In total, 66 changes were proposed, with all 44 from the opposition rejected and 14 of 23 suggested by BJP allies approved. A dispute also erupted over the removal of annexures containing opposition dissent notes, later reinstated after discussion.

Among the bill’s key suggestions were the inclusion of non-Muslims, women, and notable public figures on waqf boards, and a clause to limit certain donations to Muslim individuals practicing the faith for at least five years.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 13, 2026

By

The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

Continue Reading

India News

IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

Published

1 day ago

on

June 13, 2026

By

An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

Continue Reading

India News

Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 13, 2026

By

Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com