Bill distracts from key issues: HP Minister Singh

The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday criticised the central government over the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging it distracts from pressing national issues like unemployment, inflation, and the economic fallout from new US tariffs.

- TBG NETWORK

On Thursday, Singh acknowledged the government's majority but stressed that opposition concerns, including those from Congress and INDIA bloc allies like DMK, RJD, Trinamool Congress, and AAP, were overlooked.

"Since the government holds a majority in the Lok Sabha, the bill was bound to pass. However, concerns raised by all parties, especially the Congress and allies of the INDIA bloc, whether it is DMK, RJD, Trinamool Congress, or AAP, should have been addressed. Everyone wants transparency, and there is no debate about that. The issues raised were in view of the Constitution, but instead of addressing them, the government pushed the bill forward," Singh said.

He further emphasised that the bill had previously been referred to a select committee, and while some recommendations were implemented, others were ignored.