Shimla : The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday criticised the central government over the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging it distracts from pressing national issues like unemployment, inflation, and the economic fallout from new US tariffs.
Speaking to news agency on Thursday, Singh acknowledged the government's majority but stressed that opposition concerns, including those from Congress and INDIA bloc allies like DMK, RJD, Trinamool Congress, and AAP, were overlooked.
"Since the government holds a majority in the Lok Sabha, the bill was bound to pass. However, concerns raised by all parties, especially the Congress and allies of the INDIA bloc, whether it is DMK, RJD, Trinamool Congress, or AAP, should have been addressed. Everyone wants transparency, and there is no debate about that. The issues raised were in view of the Constitution, but instead of addressing them, the government pushed the bill forward," Singh said.
He further emphasised that the bill had previously been referred to a select committee, and while some recommendations were implemented, others were ignored. "The government should have deliberated on it thoroughly before bringing it to Parliament. It was sent to the Select Committee, but not all recommendations were implemented. Meanwhile, attention is being diverted from real issues affecting the country and the states," Singh remarked.
Regarding the US economic and trade policies and the latest tariff increase showing concerns, Singh highlighted the potential repercussions of US trade policies on India, particularly in light of recent decisions by the Trump administration.
"Just yesterday, the United States, following its trade policy, imposed equal reciprocal duties on imports. This has now been applied to India as well, resulting in a loss of approximately USD 300 billion. This is a crucial issue because Himachal Pradesh is also impacted. Our produce is exported, and any increase or decrease in import duties directly affects our farmers and apple growers," Singh explained.
He stressed that India's bilateral trade with the US is at stake, and instead of addressing such pressing concerns, the government is focusing on other matters. "At a time when the country is set to suffer significant trade losses, this bill has been introduced. It seems to me that the government is deliberately shifting attention away from core issues like unemployment and inflation," Singh added.
Singh also commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relations with the U.S. leadership, asserting that personal friendships should translate into national benefits. "Anyone can have personal friendships. Honourable Prime Minister Modi shares a good rapport with the US President. But the country should benefit from it," he said.
He criticised the Lok Sabha's lack of discussion on this economic setback and called for negotiations between Indian and American trade representatives. Taking a dig at the government's approach, Singh remarked, "Theatrics and gestures like warm hugs won't solve the problem. Both nations need to engage in serious negotiations.
Our commerce and industry leaders should sit with their American counterparts to ensure that trade policies serve both countries' interests. Instead of diverting attention, the government should focus on these pressing concerns." With the Waqf Bill now moving to the Rajya Sabha and then for presidential assent, all eyes are on how the opposition and the government will navigate these developments.