Muslims aren’t minorities in India, says senior Congress leader Rahman Khan
Bengaluru, Oct 23: Senior Congress leader Rahman Khan on Saturday said Muslims are not a minority in the country, and called upon them to strive towards nation-building.
"There are about 20 to 22 crore Muslims in the country; according to me, they are not minorities. How can 22 crore be a minority? We have been giving such a colour," Khan said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said he has even written a book 'Indian Muslims: The Way Forward' and asked the community to strive to build the nation.
"We have to contribute to society. We should become good citizens. Instead of asking from the government, we should give to society," he said.
Noting that as per the Article 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution, if any section or community is backward and needs support, the Constitution provides the government a power to take affirmative action, the former Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha said. "So, no party on coming to power is doing any favour to any community," he said.
"The Constitution protects all the citizens. The Constitution is our protector, not any political party..." he said. He said anyone can join any party and that, according to him, no party can claim Muslims are with it.
He was responding to questions on the political slugfest between the Congress and JD(S) leaders over Muslim support ahead of the October 30 Hangal and Sindgi bypolls.
Responding to a question, Khan said minorities are also citizens of the country, and claims by political leaders that the community is being used by someone for the sake of votes is an insult. "Don't minorities have knowledge of who to vote for and whom not to?" he asked.
Stating that minorities have the right to seek for their rights in accordance with what is provided to them under the Constitution, he said, "They don't need any party to ask for their rights, the Constitution is enough."
The former Union Minister further said the Congress is a secular party, and for 70 years as it has stood for protecting secularism, the Muslims support it.
"It is not that Muslims support only Congress. If tomorrow Congress doesn't stand for secular principles, they will have nothing to give to the nation...if tomorrow BJP adopts secularism, they may support them as well," he added.
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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.
