No place for 'cowards' like Hedgewar in textbooks under Congress government: BK Hariprasad
Shivamogga: Congress MLC BK Hariprasad has stated that the Congress government will not approve the inclusion of life stories of individuals like Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), whom he referred to as 'cowards' and 'fake freedom fighters,' in school textbooks.
Addressing reporters in Shivamogga, Hariprasad emphasized that the ideology of the Sangh Parivar, the family of Hindu nationalist organizations including the RSS, will not be allowed to influence the functioning of any government department.
Regarding Hedgewar, Hariprasad stated that there is no evidence to suggest that he was a freedom fighter. He also expressed his refusal to accord respect to individuals who he believed pretended to be freedom fighters while seeking mercy from the British. Hariprasad pointed out the recent statement by someone claiming Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, to be a freedom fighter. He highlighted the contrasting views of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangh Parivar with regards to whom they consider as freedom fighters, emphasizing the Congress' respect for those who genuinely contributed to the Independence Movement.
Hariprasad further criticized the BJP and the Sangh Parivar, noting that their own books mention six instances when their leader submitted mercy petitions to the British. He demanded an explanation from the BJP and the Sangh Parivar regarding these mercy petitions. He regarded the Hedgewar issue as an election agenda that would ultimately backfire for the BJP, leading to rejection by the voters.
The MLC expressed concern about the rise in cases of moral policing in the coastal belt and declared that the Congress is prepared to confront organizations like the Bajrang Dal. He advised the BJP to focus on the welfare of the people and strive towards building a peaceful society with religious harmony, rather than exploiting the Bajrang Dal issue for political gains.
Regarding the caste census, Hariprasad mentioned that the data collected through the census will be disclosed soon, as stated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He clarified that it would be inappropriate to label it as an outdated survey and assured that any updates or changes required would be made accordingly.
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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.
