Oppn creating anti-Muslim narrative against legislation

LEADERS FROM THE TDP, JD(U), LJP (RV), SHIV SENA AND RLD PITCHED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE WAQF BILL DURING THE DEBATE IN THE LOWER HOUSE

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran [e-mail]

NEW DELHI: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) put up a show of solidarity and strength in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as partners of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rallied around the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Key allies Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Shiv Sena, and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) criticised the Opposition for creating a "narrative" against the bill, and backed the government in ushering in widespread changes in the way Waqf boards are run and properties managed.

JD(U) leader and Union minister for panchayati raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh or Lalan Singh as he is popularly known, came down heavily on the Opposition for creating a "narrative that this bill is anti-Muslim."