Latest news with #Waqf(Amendment)Bill
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Nitish Kumar's Hindutva Alignment To Benefit From Modi's Welfare Policies
Last Updated: Realising that in current circumstances Hindutva-backed campaign is NDA's best bet in the polls, Kumar would want to be mascot for it rather than allow BJP take centre-stage Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may well be taking the guard for one last time in an electoral battle when the state goes to polls later this year. A master political schemer, Kumar has managed a 'pendulum style' politics swaying between hard-boiled Socialist caste-based politics and soft Hindutva agenda. In the past quarter of a century, Kumar has managed, whether with the left-of-centre conundrum or right-of-centre Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to maintain a progressive profile for his government. He has contested in alliance with the BJP on five occasions (2000, February 2005 and November 2010 and 2020), however, during every campaign, he always remained, at least in public perception, distant from the Hindutva agenda of its alliance partner the BJP. This 'distance' had allowed him to take divorce from the BJP and enter into an electoral alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress in 2015, winning the polls. However, he later eloped with the mandate and formed a government with the BJP. Similarly, after winning the 2020 polls in alliance with the BJP, he bolted with the mandate and formed government with RJD-Congress, only to return back to his first suitor. However, this time around, there are clear indications that Kumar is entering the poll arena somewhat wedded (how strongly only time would tell) to the right-of-centre ideology. His party – Janata Dal (United) — in the past one year has supported the Centre on the crucial issue of Waqf (Amendment) Bill and later supported the government's diplomatic initiatives post-Operation Sindoor. What has put an affirmative stamp on his right-of-centre tilt is last Sunday's unveiling of the final design for the grand Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi. This initiative is justly seen by many as a strategic move to align with the Hindutva agenda, aiming to consolidate support among Hindu voters by emphasising cultural and religious heritage. Is this a departure by Nitish Kumar from his traditional campaign in the strongholds of Extremely Backward castes, Mahadalit communities, a large section of forward caste communities and a section of the Muslim voters? Not truly, this could be a move by the Machiavellian politician to cast his shadow over the votes which have moved to the BJP over the past 11 years thanks to several socio-economic policies of Modi government. By championing the Janaki Temple project, a venture of significant religious importance at the birthplace of Goddess Sita, Kumar is attempting to transcend caste lines and appeal to a broader Hindu electorate. He seeks to position Janaki Temple as a counterpart to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, thus placing himself as 'no less a Hindu' than his BJP counterparts. The government's plan includes the development of a 151-foot-high temple structure, broad walkways, extensive green landscaping, and facilities like 'Sita-Vatika' and 'Luv-Kush Vatika' to enhance the mystical and creative experience for devotees. The Bihar government has appointed the same Noida-based firm, which was associated in the Ayodhya Ram Temple project, as the design consultant for the planned Janaki Temple. This Hindutva orientation has become all the more necessary because of the aggressive assault launched by the opposition on Kumar's long-time dividend-paying progressive agenda. RJD's Chief Ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav has accused Kumar of replicating the BJP's Hindutva agenda without genuine commitment to religious or cultural development. He has claimed that such projects are being used to distract from pressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of infrastructure. There is reason to see some truth in what Yadav is saying. However, this alignment on Hindutva agenda is also focussed at Kumar dominating campaign narrative. Unlike the 2020 polls, he would not want to emerge as runner-up to the BJP within the alliance. Realising full well that in the current circumstances Hindutva-backed campaign is NDA's best bet in the upcoming polls, Kumar would want to be the mascot for it rather than allow a BJP leader take the centre stage on the matter. He would want a perception to build that Hindu voters who list religious and cultural identity in their political considerations voted for NDA not despite Kumar but for Kumar. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 24, 2025, 16:30 IST News opinion Opinion | Nitish Kumar's Hindutva Alignment To Benefit From Modi's Welfare Policies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
House disruptions a significant waste of time, taxpayers' money, says MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap
As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at second-time MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. As the 18th Lok Sabha completes its first year, here's a look at second-time MP Suresh Kumar Kashyap's performance in the lower House of Parliament and his plans for the constituency. (HT File) How would you describe your first-year experience? The year has been fruitful. I got the opportunity to participate in debates. I raised the issue in the House that the farmers of my constituency in particular have been suffering owing to the illegal influx of Chinese garlic. I also raised the issues of strengthening the rail network in Himachal Pradesh, four-laning of the road to Baddi, financial assistance for victims of natural disasters in the state and bringing apple crop under crop insurance scheme. What was the high point of the year for you personally and your party in the House? When I raised the issue of strengthening the rail connectivity to Shimla, I got assurance that Vista Dome would be started on the heritage railway track from Kalka to Shimla, which will be an added tourist attraction. I have also raised the issue of a train for Paonta Sahib. The passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was the high point in terms of reforms it is going to bring for the nation. Even the One Nation, One Election Bill will bring a number of reforms in terms of checking huge expenditure incurred on elections. Are you satisfied with the number of sittings of the Lok Sabha? The number of sittings are adequate provided the House is allowed to work effectively and there are no disruptions. The Opposition does not have issues and thus they keep creating non-issues and stall the House proceedings. The Opposition needs to behave responsibly and should not oppose just for the sake of opposing as every disruption means wastage of not just time but also taxpayers' money. What is the most effective way to raise issues of public importance in the House? The best way to raise the issues of the constituency is the Question Hour where you not only get a written reply but also assurance from the ministry concerned on every issue raised. You also have Zero Hour to raise the issues apart from actively participating in debates. What constituency-specific issues were raised by you and what are your plans ahead? I am satisfied with the progress made for the strengthening of the road infrastructure be it four-laning or expansion of roads. Most of the road infrastructure has been strengthened under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. My priority is to build two gyms in each of the 17 assembly constituencies. For women empowerment, I would like to set up sanitary napkin plants in Solan and Shimla. Apart from this, I want to start mobile laboratories, especially in rural areas of my constituency.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Munambam Land Protection Council meets Jose K. Mani, seeks government intervention
Leaders of the Munambam Land Protection Council met with Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] chairperson Jose K. Mani, MP, on Sunday (July 6), seeking his intervention in resolving the long-standing Waqf land issue. The delegation, comprising Fr. Antony Xavier (patron of the council), chairperson Joseph Rockey and convener Joseph Benny, held a 45-minute discussion with Mr. Mani. They urged him to push for a permanent resolution to the land dispute and sought his support to bring the matter to the attention of the State government. Speaking after the meeting, Fr. Rockey said Mr. Mani had been approached in his capacity as a representative of the community. He also acknowledged the supportive stance Mr. Mani had taken in the Rajya Sabha in favour of the protesting families in Munambam. To expediate action 'Now that the judicial commission has submitted its report, we have requested Mr. Mani's help in expediting government action. It has been 268 days since our protest began and it will complete one year on October 13. We are hoping for an early and lasting resolution,' he said. Mr. Mani, for his part, assured the delegation that he would raise the issue with the State government. 'The matter is under the consideration of both the tribunal and a judicial commission. The concerns raised by the delegation will be brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and the relevant departments. We will do everything possible to address their grievances,' Mr. Mani said. The Kerala Congress (M) regards the meeting as a positive outcome of its ongoing efforts to reach out to the predominantly Catholic families protesting in Munambam. With Munambam residents Earlier, during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Mani had made a pointed effort to align himself with the people of Munambam, who are locked in a legal dispute over land ownership before a Waqf tribunal. While he expressed partial support for certain provisions in the Bill, Mr. Mani ultimately voted against it. In his speech, Mr. Mani had backed key clauses such as the provision allowing court challenges to Waqf Board rulings and another revoking the board's unilateral power to designate land as Waqf property. At the same time, he voiced strong opposition to the Bill's controversial provisions allowing non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Boards.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP accuses Tejashwi of appeasement politics over Waqf Act
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal on Wednesday (July 2, 2025) launched a scathing attack on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, accusing him of attempting to mislead the people of Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls. Mr. Pal's remarks came during a press conference in Mumbai, specifically addressing Mr. Yadav's recent statement about 'throwing the amended Waqf Act in the dustbin.' Mr. Pal, who chairs the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserted that there is a 'competition' between Mr. Yadav and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi to treat Muslims as a 'vote bank.' His comments followed Mr. Yadav's declaration at a rally in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, held under the banner 'Save Waqf, Save Constitution,' where the RJD leader vowed that the Opposition alliance would jointly abolish the Waqf Act if elected to power. 'The NDA in Bihar is on its way out, and once we form the government, we will consign the Waqf Act brought by the PM Narendra Modi government into the dustbin,' Mr. Yadav had stated. Dismissing Mr. Yadav's remarks as 'daydreaming,' Mr. Pal said that the people of Bihar have consistently rejected both him and his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav. He reiterated his accusation that they, along with Mr. Owaisi and the Congress, are engaging in appeasement politics, vying to win over the Muslim community for votes. Mr. Pal claimed that while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, and Asaduddin Owaisi are opposing the legislation, 'poor and Pasmanda Muslims across the country support it.' Pasmanda is an umbrella term encompassing Backward, Dalit, and Adivasi Muslims. Elaborating on the purpose of the amended Act, Mr. Pal stated that it aims to ensure better management of Waqf properties for the benefit of needy Muslims. He challenged the Congress and RJD to identify any provision in the legislation that would transfer Waqf land from Muslims to others, accusing them of playing with people's emotions. Regarding Mr. Yadav's 'dustbin' remark, Mr. Pal alleged that the RJD leader is inadvertently supporting those who have illegally encroached upon Waqf land. Mr. Pal highlighted that the Narendra Modi-led government is implementing recommendations from the Sachar Committee Report, officially titled 'Social, Economic and Educational Status of the Muslim Community of India,' which had estimated that Waqf properties could generate ₹12,000 crore annually. He contrasted this with the current realisation of only ₹163 crore, claiming that the unaccounted funds were not reaching the intended beneficiaries, namely 'poor, widowed women among others,' but were 'disappearing somewhere.' He emphasised that the Sachar Committee was formed during the Congress government's tenure due to the poor socio-economic condition of Muslims. He reiterated that while the committee recommended that Waqf properties could generate substantial revenue, previous governments, including the UPA, failed to implement these recommendations, unlike the current Modi government. This, he suggested, is the real reason for the opposition. Mr. Pal also claimed that the Waqf Bill has been accepted across States, with the exception of West Bengal, where he alleged the Trinamool Congress (TMC) instigated 'state-sponsored violence in places like Murshidabad.' He emphasised that the amendment ensures transparent management, with all Waqf properties digitally recorded and their details accessible on the Minority Affairs Ministry's portal. 'Waqf property, where the land is in the name of God, has been misused by people to construct a house, mall, etc,' Mr. Pal said. He criticised Mr. Yadav for repeating what he termed as 'insulting the Constitution,' a mistake he attributed to Rahul Gandhi, whose actions, he claimed, led to his defeat. 'The Parliament exists to make laws. If you have objections, approach the Supreme Court. But playing with people's emotions like this, won't work, this country runs on law and the Constitution,' he stated.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Watch: Tejashwi Yadav ducks as drone crashes into podium at Waqf rally. What cops said
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav was forced to momentarily duck for cover on Sunday when a drone came crashing down onto his podium during a political rally in Patna's Gandhi Maidan. The incident unfolded mid-speech as the former deputy chief minister addressed a crowd gathered for the 'Save Waqf, Save Constitution' protest, organised in opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Leaders from several opposition parties were present at the rally, many wearing black armbands to signal dissent against the legislation. The sudden drone crash sent a brief wave of panic across the stage, though Yadav quickly regained composure and continued his speech. Speaking to news agency PTI, Patna SP (Central), Diksha assured that the matter is under investigation. 'We are looking into the incident. It was a restricted area and such an object should not have landed there. The police team was busy managing the crowd when the rally was underway. But the matter will be definitely investigated thoroughly.' VIDEO | Patna: While addressing 'Waqf Bachao, Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan' at Gandhi Maidan, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) narrowly escapes injury as a drone crashes into the podium. (Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos – — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 29, 2025 NDA govt is 'on its way out' in Bihar, claims Yadav Using the platform to escalate political rhetoric, the RJD leader declared that the NDA government in Bihar was on its 'way out,' and vowed to repeal the controversial legislation if the Mahagathbandhan returns to power. The leader of the Opposition in the state assembly said, 'Our national president Lalu Prasad has made it clear that the RJD will oppose this law tooth and nail. Our MPs opposed it in both Houses of Parliament. We have also moved the court against the legislation.' 'I would also ask my Muslim brethren in Bihar to remember that the NDA government is on its way out. In November, a new pro-poor government will be installed in the state and it will consign the Waqf Act to the dustbin,' PTI quoted Yadav, who is all set to lead the INDIA bloc in the state Assembly polls which are due later this year. 'The BJP, which rules the Centre and shares power in the state, must be reminded that Independence was won by the virtue of sacrifices made by Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians alike and nobody should behave as if the country is his father's property (kisi ke baap ka desh nahin hai),' he added. 'Be on your guard against the Election Commission's bid to help the BJP by holding a special intensive revision of the voters' list. We have to fight it out and thwart any conspiracy to deprive people of their right to vote.'
