'Nobody should comment on how I practise my religion': Chirag Paswan at Rising Bharat Summit

Chirag Paswan

Union minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on Wednesday said that religious matters should not be discussed by political parties and said that he would ideally look at having a system where religion and matters are separate.

Urging political parties across the spectrum to focus on issues of development, employment and infrastructure rather than engaging in religion-based politics, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief said he would to see a system where matters of religion and politics do not mix.

"I want a system where religious organisations and political parties stop interfering in each other's domains," Paswan said addressing the CNN-News18 Rising Bharat Summit in New Delhi.

Asked about his alliance partner BJP discussing the Waqf Bill that has not been taken too kindly by certain religious organisations, Paswan said that he does not want the BJP or any other political party discussing any religious matters.

"It is a matter of personal faith. Whether I wear a kalava or a tilak is my decision. Nobody should comment on how I practise my religion," Paswan added.

Paswan further said that certain vested interests in every party who have spread lies with great passion and noise.

"Remember what happened in the case of CAA? What did the Opposition say then? That Muslims will lose their citizenship, they stoked violence. But what happened? Nothing. Today, a similar attempt is being made to antagonize Muslims -- telling them that their land will be taken away. Give it some time. The Waqf Act decision will be accepted with time."

Taking on the Congress over its opposition to the Waqf Bill, Paswan accused its MP Rahul Gandhi or practising the politics of division. "What is wrong in giving the right to Muslims to protest in courts if their land is taken away by Waqf Board? Nothing is above nationalism, politics cannot be over nationalism. Rahul Gandhi practises politics of division. Should Indian citizens support anyone who talks about separating India?" Paswan said.

Paswan further said that he has always spoken is mind and expressed gratitude that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have heard him and acted on his suggestions.

"I am friend to BJP, I am not part of BJP. I have my own priorities, I am an ally to the BJP, I am not part of them," he added.

Paswan further said that discussions on seat-sharing for the Bihar elections have not taken place yet and expressed confidence in the NDA leadership, stating that all alliance partners will be given a respectful and fair share of seats.

“We trust the leadership and the alliance. When the time comes, everyone will get their due,” Paswan said, underscoring the unity within the NDA.