Saif Ali Khan praises Rahul Gandhi as a 'brave and honest' politician
New Delhi: Actor Saif Ali Khan recently lauded Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, describing him as a ‘brave and honest’ politician. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Saif highlighted how Gandhi has managed to transform his public image despite the criticisms he faced in the past.
During the event, when asked about the qualities he values in a politician, Saif responded, “I like a brave politician, an honest politician.” When given the names of prominent political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Rahul Gandhi, Saif chose Rahul Gandhi for his impressive work and efforts to change public perception. “There was a point when people were disrespecting things he was saying and doing. I think he has turned that around by working very hard in a very interesting way,” Saif stated.
The actor’s remarks have been widely shared on social media, with many calling it an endorsement for the Congress leader. This comes as Saif promotes his latest film, Devara Part 1, which features Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor alongside him in lead roles. Directed by Kortala Siva, the film has seen a strong opening day with impressive advance booking numbers and a projected ₹100-crore global collection.
Saif’s comments on Rahul Gandhi have gained attention, particularly because of the comparisons drawn between his portrayal in the Amazon Prime Video series Taandav and the Congress leader.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
