Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the opposition of engaging in appeasement politics over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, alleging that the changes made to the law in 2013 were intended to benefit “Muslim fundamentalists and the land mafia”. PM Modi strongly criticised the opposition’s protests, asserting they were rooted in outdated political strategies.
“We can’t burden 21st-century generations with the politics of the 20th century. The protests around Waqf are rooted in the politics of appeasement,” the Prime Minister said, addressing the opening day of the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 hosted by News18.
Modi termed appeasement politics a longstanding challenge and drew a historical parallel with the Partition of India. “Politics of appeasement is not new. Many countries got liberated, but is there any country whose freedom happened with partition? The two-nation theory was not the decision of the common Muslim, but the Congress got power by politics of appeasement; but the question is what did the Muslims get from it?” he asked.
Hailing the Waqf (Amendment) Act as a significant step towards social justice, Modi said the legislation would safeguard the sanctity of Waqf properties while also protecting the rights of marginalised Muslims, including women and backward communities.
“I congratulate the Parliament of the country for making a wonderful law in the interest of the entire society, in the interest of the Muslim community,” he said. Modi noted that the debate on the Waqf legislation was the second longest in India’s parliamentary history, with discussions spanning 16 hours across both Houses, 38 meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), and a total of 128 hours of deliberation. “Moreover, nearly one crore online suggestions were received from citizens across the country. This underscores that democracy is not limited to the walls of Parliament; it is being enriched and strengthened through active public participation,” he added.
‘Delay Is The Enemy Of Development’: PM Modi On Govt’s Push In Infrastructure Projects
The Prime Minister also criticised previous governments for delaying key infrastructure projects, labelling such delays as the “enemy of development.”
“I recently inaugurated Pamban Bridge in Rameshwaram… People kept demanding for a new bridge. The work started in our government. A country cannot run by delaying projects. A country runs on performance and work done in quick speed. Delay is the enemy of development. We have taken a vow to defeat this enemy,” he said, as quoted by News 18.
He cited the example of the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, stating that while the foundation stone was laid in 1997 by then Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda and work began under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, the Congress-led government stalled the project. Modi claimed his government resumed work in 2014 and completed it within four years, by 2018.
The Prime Minister also spoke about economic initiatives, including the Mudra scheme which he said has enabled 11 crore people to receive loans for self-employment for the first time. “This is not just micro-finance, this is mega transformation at the grassroots,” he said.
Modi further announced that the nuclear energy sector, like the space sector, has been opened up to private players. “Individuals connected to the gig economy will receive social security protection. People who were invisible to others are now at the centre of the policies. A term loan of ₹2 crore will be available for entrepreneurs from the SC, ST, and women’s groups. Inclusivity is not just a promise, it is a policy,” he stated, as quoted by News 18.
Highlighting achievements from the Centre’s 100 days in office, Modi listed the approval of Made-in-India light combat helicopters for the Army and the passage of the Waqf Bill. “These 100 days are more than 100 decisions. This is about the accomplishment of 100 resolutions. This mantra of performance is the real energy behind Rising India,” he said.
He also remarked that over 8,000 Naxals have surrendered in the last decade. “In the last decade, we signed 10 peace pacts in the northeast. Thousands of youths laid down weapons to join the mainstream,” he added.
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