Minority Affairs Ministry Isn't Only for Muslims, Says Rijiju

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has defended his role as Chairman of the Central Waqf Council and stated that the Ministry of Minority Affairs is not exclusive to Muslims but represents all six officially recognised minority communities in India.

- TDG NETWORK

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju responded to criticism by some sections over a non-Muslim heading the Central Waqf Council and said his appointment is by virtue of his ministerial role.

On being asked why a non-Muslim is heading the Waqf Council, the Union Minister said, "We have six minority communities in India by definition. By notification, there are six communities. By virtue of being the Minister for Minority Affairs, I presented the bill and became the Chairman of the Central Waqf Council. Minority Ministry is not only for Muslims. That is what I have been saying from the beginning: that the Congress Party had made the Minority Affairs Ministry a Muslim Affairs Ministry. How unfortunate that is. And then, they are talking only about Muslims, leaving aside the other smaller minority communities."