Srinagar, Apr 6: Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, on Sunday defended the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that the legislation has empowered poor Muslims by granting them access to Waqf properties for development.
Speaking during an interaction with the media in Srinagar to mark the 45th foundation day of the BJP, Kurian emphasised that the Bill had brought “real freedom” to the community.
“Poor Muslims have gained real freedom with the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill. They now have the right to use these properties for building schools, hospitals, and other institutions,” Kurian said. He also noted that the legislation has been well-received by Muslims across the country, including in Kerala, where the community supports the changes.
The Minister defended the Bill, stating, “The BJP has done the right thing, and there’s nothing wrong in it. If others have concerns, they can approach the court, as they have every right to do so.”
On the matter of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Kurian declined to comment, saying, “I am not interested in discussing J&K’s statehood. I’m a small man to talk about such matters.” However, he added, “Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in the Valley. The people are aware of this, and what we need now is ground-level support for the development of India and the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”
Reflecting on his previous tenure as Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Kurian shared that many Waqf Boards had faced issues, including instances where certain individuals prevented the poor from accessing Waqf properties. He stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill directly addresses such concerns.
Regarding the renaming of the Waqf Board to “Umeed,” Kurian said there were no issues with the name. “Some problems existed earlier, but they were largely due to inefficiency,” he added.
When asked about the dual governance situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Kurian reiterated that the administration is functioning according to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court, adding that he was not inclined to discuss the statehood issue further.
“The BJP has always believed in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas. Our foundation is rooted in nationalism and service. Kashmir holds a special place in our hearts, and we will continue to work for its peace and prosperity,” Kurian concluded.
The event also saw the participation of senior BJP leaders from Kashmir, Waqf Board Chairperson (MOS) Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, as well as district office bearers and prominent workers.
