Waqf Act Will Be Accepted With Time; Rahul Gandhi Practises Politics Of Division: Chirag Paswan

Last Updated:April 09, 2025, 16:49 IST

Speaking at CNN-News18’s Rising Bharat Summit, the union minister also cited the protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to criticise the opposition’s stance on the Waqf Act

Union minister Chirag Paswan was speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit. (Pic/News18)

Asked about his alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party discussing the now-passed Waqf Bill that has not been taken too kindly by certain religious organisations, union minister for food processing industries Chirag Paswan said at CNN-News18’s Rising Bharat Summit 2025 on Wednesday that he does not want the BJP or any other political party delving into any religious matters.

“It is a matter of personal faith. Whether I wear a kalava or a tilak is my decision. Nobody should comment on how I practise my religion," Paswan added.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader also cited the protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to criticise the opposition’s stance on the Waqf Act.

“Remember what happened in the case of CAA? What did the opposition say then? That Muslims will lose their citizenship. They stoked violence. But what happened? Nothing. Today, a similar attempt is being made to antagonize Muslims—telling them that their land will be taken away. Give it some time. The Waqf Act decision will be accepted with time."

Several opposition parties and Muslim groups have voiced their protest and approached the Supreme Court against the Waqf Act. The SC has also agreed to hear petitions challenging the law on April 15.

Taking on the Congress over its opposition to the Act, Paswan accused its MP Rahul Gandhi of practising the politics of division.

“What is wrong in giving the right to Muslims to protest in courts if their land is taken away by Waqf Board? Nothing is above nationalism; politics cannot be over nationalism. Rahul Gandhi practises politics of division. Should Indian citizens support anyone who talks about separating India?" Paswan said.

News politics Waqf Act Will Be Accepted With Time; Rahul Gandhi Practises Politics Of Division: Chirag Paswan