New Delhi, Apr 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday defended the Waqf Amendment Act, saying that one of the key drivers behind bringing the Act was that most of the sufferers of the prevalent system were women, especially widows.
Interacting with a delegation of Dawoodi Bohra community members at his residence here, Modi mentioned that extensive efforts over many years went into bringing the Act to fruition, an official statement said.
He also spoke about difficulties faced by people due to Waqf.
Modi said when work towards bringing about the Waqf Amendment Act started, one of the first people he discussed this with was Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who was instrumental in giving detailed comments about various nitty-gritties of the Act.
The Prime Minister recalled his strong bond with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community. He praised the tradition of the community of working towards social welfare, which he has seen over the years.
He also brought out the special contribution of the community towards bringing about the Act.
The delegation of the Dawoodi Bohra community meanwhile narrated their struggles and shared stories of how properties belonging to members of their community were wrongfully claimed by Waqf.
They thanked the Prime Minister for bringing about the Waqf Amendment Act and said it was a long pending demand.
They spoke about the Prime Minister’s long-standing special connection with the Dawoodi Bohra community, and the positive work done by him.
Speaking about the benefit of the Act for their community, they said that the Prime Minister has brought this Act not only for minorities but for minority within minorities.
While saying that India has always allowed their identity to flourish, they added that under PM’s leadership, they feel the spirit of inclusion.
Discussing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, they expressed commitment and all possible assistance in the journey towards making India developed.
They also lauded his leadership which brings focus on the aspect that true development should be people centric.
