Special status for Andhra: YSR Congress unlikely to accept Lok Sabha Dy Speaker's post
New Delhi: The YSR Congress Party is unlikely to accept the post of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha as it does not want to be seen aligned with the BJP-led ruling NDA until the Narendra Modi government fulfil its demand of granting special status to Andhra Pradesh, a senior leader of the party said Sunday.
YSR Congress, which is fourth largest party with 22 members in the 17th Lok Sabha, wants to maintain equidistance from both the ruling and opposition sides, the leader told PTI.
"Opposition especially the Congress is also responsible for Andhra Pradesh not getting the special status tag. It bifurcated the state but did not give it special status. So we will also be maintaining distance from them too," the leader said.
However, he said the party may extend its support to the ruling dispensation on certain issues which would be in the interest of the country.
On the Deputy Speaker's post, sources in the YSR Congress Party said there was no direct or formal offer made but there were indications.
"The party does not want this post, as it will be seen as aligning with the ruling dispensation. The party won't do that until and unless Centre gives special status to Andhra Pradesh," the YSR Congress leader said.
He further said the party has conveyed its stand to the BJP leadership.
Special status for Andhra Pradesh was the core agenda of YSR Congress supremo Jaganmohan Reddy, who swept the state elections and became the second chief minister after bifurcation.
Sources in the party also said the Deputy Speaker's post is ceremonial and is of not much use to them.
They said they are in constant touch with the top leadership within the government and are pursuing them for accepting the demand of special status for the state.
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Waqf Amendment Bill: Amit Shah says no provision of non-Muslim involvement in religious matter
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday addressed concerns regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, stating that non-Muslims will not be involved in any religious affairs related to Waqf properties. His remarks came while speaking in the Lok Sabha, where the bill was tabled for consideration and passage.
Shah clarified that non-Muslim members will be included only in the Council and Waqf Board, but their role will be limited to administrative matters concerning properties donated under Waqf law. They will not interfere in religious activities or the management of religious institutions, he assured.
"First of all, no non-Muslim would come into the Waqf. Understand this clearly... There is no such provision to include any non-Muslim among those who manage religious institutions; we do not want to do this," Shah said. He added that there is a misconception being spread that the amendment would interfere with religious practices or Waqf properties, which he claimed was an attempt to mislead the minority community for political reasons.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, was presented by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Waqf refers to assets donated solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, and their use for any other purpose is prohibited.
Shah further emphasized that only property legally owned by an individual can be donated under Waqf law. "A person cannot donate government property or property that belongs to someone else," he said.
