Punjab Chief Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Bhagwant Mann, made a strong statement on Monday, declaring that his party would vehemently oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
He stated that AAP would fight against the Bill "tooth and nail," emphasising the party's firm stand in support of the Muslim community, which has voiced significant opposition to the proposed legislation.
Mann, speaking after participating in an Eid event, reiterated that AAP would oppose the Waqf Bill not only in Parliament but also in the Punjab Assembly, in a bid to protect the interests of the Muslim community. He stressed that AAP was committed to ensuring the welfare and rights of all social groups in the state.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which has sparked considerable controversy, was recently discussed in the Lok Sabha. The Bill, based on a 655-page report submitted by a 31-member joint parliamentary panel, was officially presented to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 30.
The report, which was adopted by the committee with a 15-11 majority vote, was heavily influenced by suggestions from BJP members. This has led to accusations from the opposition that the Bill is an attempt to dismantle the functioning of Waqf boards, which manage Muslim religious and charitable properties.
The Bill had been referred to the joint committee in August following its introduction by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The opposition has strongly criticised the government for pushing forward a Bill that they argue undermines the autonomy and rights of Muslim institutions.
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Alongside his comments on the Waqf Bill, Mann also addressed concerns about water conservation in Punjab. He shared the AAP government's commitment to preserving the state's groundwater resources.
Since taking office, the AAP government has revitalised 15,947 water courses across Punjab, a move that has helped deliver water even to the most remote villages at the tail end of the irrigation system.
This initiative is part of the state's efforts to conserve groundwater while ensuring that farmers have access to sufficient canal water for their agricultural needs.
Mann further emphasised the importance of public participation in the ongoing anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheyan Virudh. He urged citizens to actively support the campaign, as this collective effort is vital to making Punjab a drug-free state. The government's anti-drug drive has already gained significant public backing, which Mann highlighted as crucial for its success.
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In addition to these developments, Mann announced a series of ambitious development projects for the town of Malerkotla, which will receive Rs 200 crore for its comprehensive growth.
Among the projects, a new 100-seat medical college will be constructed to position Malerkotla as a hub for medical education. Furthermore, a 200-bed super-specialty hospital will be established, and the town’s existing girls' college will be upgraded to better serve the local community.
Mann also extended his warm Eid greetings to the people of Punjab after offering prayers at a local Eidgah. He emphasized that Eid, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time for charity, generosity, and empathy.
He expressed his hope that the festive occasion would strengthen communal harmony, peace, and brotherhood in the state, in keeping with the timeless teachings of great spiritual leaders, saints, and gurus.
The Chief Minister called on the people to celebrate Eid by rising above considerations of caste, color, and creed, promoting unity and collective joy for all.
Through these various announcements and statements, Mann sought to reinforce the AAP government’s commitment to the welfare of all communities in Punjab, while addressing key issues ranging from religious harmony to infrastructure development.
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