BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Saturday welcomed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that the leniency shown by the Congress party towards Waqf boards had allowed them to repeatedly flout norms.
Speaking during a Jan Sampark Abhiyan event in the Majhvad area of her Mandi constituency, the actor-turned-politician claimed that the newly passed legislation would tackle the issue of large-scale land encroachments that had been taking place under the guise of Waqf board activities.
Ranaut alleged that there had been a conspiracy behind the formation of Waqf boards even before India gained independence, and the country has continued to suffer because of it. She claimed that vast tracts of land had been illegally occupied in the name of Waqf, and the new bill would address these long-standing issues.
Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after extensive debate. The Rajya Sabha gave its approval on Friday following more than 13 hours of discussion, with 128 members voting in favor and 95 opposing it. A day earlier, the Lok Sabha had passed the bill with 288 votes in support and 232 against.
Ranaut claimed the legislation was a necessary step to eliminate corruption and illegal encroachment on public land, which she said had flourished under the shield of Waqf institutions. She commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking bold steps to “cleanse the system” and uphold the law equally for all.
“No individual, community, or organisation can be above the law,” she emphasised, adding that the amendment would ensure that Waqf boards are now fully accountable under legal frameworks.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Ranaut accused leaders from her constituency of failing to represent the people’s interests in Parliament. She claimed that their silence had contributed to Himachal Pradesh's current financial distress and mounting debt.
Ranaut also criticized comments made by Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. The remark, which she said was aimed at defaming Mandi—also known as "Chhoti Kashi"—had sparked widespread backlash. She said that such statements insulted the cultural and spiritual identity of the region.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Mandi for electing her to Parliament, Ranaut promised to work tirelessly for their welfare and development. Speaking in the local dialect, she referred to herself as a daughter and sister of the region and vowed to serve her constituency with dedication.
Earlier in the day, Kangana Ranaut visited the Bhoot Nath temple to offer prayers before attending the public meeting.
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