Actor Shivaraj Kumar campaigns for Shivamogga Congress candidate, wife Geeta
Shivamogga: Sandalwood actor Shivaraj Kumar made a appeal to voters on behalf of his wife, Geeta, who is contesting as the Congress candidate for Shivamogga constituency. Speaking at a gathering of party workers held at Lagan Kalyan Mandir in the city on Wednesday, Shivaraj Kumar urged the electorate to give Geeta a chance to serve as their Member of Parliament.
Highlighting Geeta's rich background as the daughter of former Chief Minister Bangarappa and daughter-in-law of Rajkumar, as well as his own wife, Shivaraj Kumar emphasized her extensive experience. He stated that Geeta would champion the causes of women and children in Shivamogga district and appealed to the public to support her candidacy.
Reflecting on past electoral outcomes, Shivaraj Kumar acknowledged Geeta's previous loss in the 2014 elections, attributing it to the natural ebb and flow of political contests. He underscored the importance of transparency in politics, urging politicians to be forthright with their promises and limitations.
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In response, Geeta Sivarajkumar expressed her determination to secure victory and represent Shivamogga in Parliament. She pledged to uphold the district's honor and serve its people diligently, drawing inspiration from her father's legacy.
Asserting her longstanding involvement in politics since her father's tenure as an MLA, Geeta emphasized her deep-rooted connection to the district and its residents. She appealed to voters to entrust her with their support, emphasizing her commitment to serving their interests.
Meanwhile, Minister Madhu Bangarappa criticized the incumbent MP, questioning his contributions to issues such as VISL and Sharavati victims in Parliament. Former MP Ayanur Manjunath and other prominent leaders were also present at the gathering to support Geeta's candidacy.
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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.
