New Delhi [India], April 14 (ANI): Former MP and Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Malook Nagar on Monday slammed the Opposition parties over their stance against the Waqf Amendment Act, emphasizing that the law is intended for the welfare of poor and backward Muslims.

Nagar criticised the INDIA Bloc for opposing things 'without any reason' as the latter have expressed their discontent against the amended laws regarding Waqf properties.

'In the country, there is the INDI alliance, led primarily by the Congress party. When they run out of issues, they resort to opposing things without reason. They opposed Triple Talaq, Article 370, and the CAA -- but eventually, it became clear that all of these were in the nation's interest. The Waqf law is also intended for the welfare of poor and backward Muslims,' RLD leader Malook Nagar told ANI.

Nagar mentioned that a sizeable land in the country was lying unused, which will now be used to develop infrastructure, resulting in benefitting Muslim communities.

'There are lakhs of hectares of land lying unused across the country, and only a select few have been benefiting from it. The government will create a system through which poor and backward Muslims can gain access to education, business opportunities, and medical facilities. In the times to come, they will be truly happy with these changes,' he highlighted.

Several states, including Delhi, Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, witnessed protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.

Violence erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district on April 8 during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in stone-pelting and torched police vehicles.

However, West Bengal Police announced on Saturday that the situation in the Suti and Samserganj areas of Jangipur, Murshidabad district, is now under control.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into force on April 8. After a 12-hour discussion, the Rajya Sabha cleared the bill with 128 members voting in favour, whereas 95 members voted against the legislation.

The act aims to modify the Waqf Act, 1995 and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013. The 1995 act and the 2013 amendment laid out rules to govern the Waqf properties in India; created special courts (called Waqf Tribunals) with powers similar to civil courts (Tribunal decisions cannot be challenged in civil courts); and prohibited the sale of Waqf properties. (ANI)