Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 9: In a scathing attack on opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused them of practising "appeasement politics" over the Waqf Amendment Act, asserting that the new legislation marks a turning point in the nation's pursuit of social justice and dignity for marginalised Muslims.
Speaking at a prominent media conclave in the national capital, PM Modi condemned what he termed the "outdated mindset" behind the backlash to the new law. “We cannot allow the politics of the 20th century to weigh down the progress of the 21st century,” the Prime Minister remarked, adding that the uproar over the Waqf Act was rooted in appeasement rather than genuine concern for the community.
Reflecting on the 2013 amendments to the Waqf Act, the PM alleged that the changes were crafted to serve vested interests and facilitate misuse of land. “Those amendments were not about empowerment—they were about fear and control. The new Waqf law replaces fear with dignity,” he asserted.
Calling the amended Act a landmark moment within the NDA government's first 100 days of its current term, PM Modi emphasised that the legislation was aimed at uplifting underprivileged sections of the Muslim community, including women, by safeguarding their rights and fostering inclusivity.
“The (earlier) Waqf law had become a cause of fear. Now it ensures dignity for all, especially the marginalised in the Muslim community. I congratulate the Parliament of the country for making a wonderful law in the interest of the entire society, in the interest of the Muslim community,” he stated.
Lauding the robust democratic process that led to the passage of the Bill, the Prime Minister noted that it was the second-longest debate in parliamentary history. “The discussions spanned 16 hours across both Houses, complemented by 38 meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Committee—adding up to 128 hours of deliberation. We received nearly 1 crore suggestions from citizens online. This reflects how democracy in India is not confined to the four walls of Parliament but thrives on public participation,” he said.
He further pointed out the deep-rooted mistrust surrounding land and property linked to Waqf, religious sites, and government holdings. He credited the new law with addressing those concerns with clarity and fairness.
PM Modi reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring justice and equality for all, especially the poor and women from the Muslim community, affirming that the Waqf Amendment Act was a decisive step in that direction.