RAIPUR: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "courage and conviction" to undo the wrongs and historical injustices committed by earlier governments, citing the revocation of Article 370, the abolition of Triple Talaq, and now, reforms in Waqf-related laws.

Speaking at a packed hall in Raipur, Dr. Jitendra Singh said Modi has ushered in a new political culture that transcends religion and prioritizes justice for all sections of society.

In a sharp critique of the Congress party, Dr. Jitendra Singh alleged that earlier regimes had used the Muslim community merely as a vote bank, creating divisive narratives and institutionalising appeasement politics. "Unlike them, PM Modi has tried to undo the injustice done to the Muslim community by giving them dignity, rights, and development," he said. "Those who ruled for decades never answered why 31% of Indian Muslims still live below the poverty line. Modi ji's leadership aims to correct that."

Referring to the Waqf properties and the controversies surrounding them, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that under the previous Congress-led UPA government, large-scale misappropriation of Waqf lands had gone unchecked. "Waqf land was meant for the welfare of the poor, yet five-star hotels and malls stand on it today. Who benefited? Not the common Muslim," he said, accusing the previous regime of legalising land grabs under the garb of religious provisions.

The Minister highlighted that the amended Waqf laws under the current government aim to bring transparency, accountability, and justice. "This law ensures that any land being claimed under Waqf will now be publicly notified, and objections, if any, must be addressed before registration. Why should anyone have a problem with this unless they have something to hide?" he asked.

Taking a dig at those questioning the reforms, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, "This is the same mindset that protested against the Triple Talaq law. Why is it a problem when Muslim women get their rightful due? This government has given women across all communities equal rights-why not Muslim women too?"

Dr Jitendra Singh also reminded the audience that Waqf was a concept of charitable endowment meant to serve the underprivileged and that any deviation from this spirit was a betrayal of its founders' intent. "You cannot claim piety while profiting off land meant for the poor," he said.

Touching upon structural changes in the proposed Waqf Board, Dr. Jitendra Singh said it now mandates representation from women, legal experts, and Members of Parliament. "This is democracy in action. If someone still has a problem, perhaps the problem lies within."

He concluded by stating that public awareness was essential to counter "false narratives" being spread by vested interests. "In a democracy, remaining silent in the face of misinformation is also a form of complicity. We owe it to the truth to speak up."