AP BJP chief and MP Daggubati Purandeswari stated that the Waqf Bill, which has been passed in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, will soon be enacted into law. Responding to allegations by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, she pointed out the lack of Congress leadership during the bill’s passage. “Sonia Gandhi said the bill was passed undemocratically, but she herself doesn’t recall if she was present in the Rajya Sabha. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi too were absent from the Lok Sabha,” she said.
Purandeswari clarified that the bill only includes amendments related to the functioning of the Waqf Board and does not interfere with any religious practices or beliefs of the Muslim community. She stressed that the central government respects the religious freedom of all communities and has made no changes to that effect.
Highlighting the vast extent of Waqf properties, she said, “After the Railways and Defense, the Waqf Board owns the most land. If these lands are used properly, they can solve many of the problems faced by minorities.” She also announced that women have now been given representation in the Waqf Board, marking a step towards inclusive governance.
Purandeswari praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welfare initiatives, stating that the PMAY scheme has provided housing to SCs, STs, and women. She also lauded initiatives like Startup India and Standup India for empowering youth from marginalized communities and mentioned that the government had supported the formation of DICCI (Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to encourage Dalit entrepreneurship.
