New Delhi, April 16 -- Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has defended his role as Chairman of the Central Waqf Council and stated that the Ministry of Minority Affairs is not exclusive to Muslims but represents all six officially recognised minority communities in India.

Speaking to ANI, Rijiju responded to criticism by some sections over a non-Muslim heading the Central Waqf Council and said his appointment is by virtue of his ministerial role.

On being asked why a non-Muslim is heading the Waqf Council, the Union Minister said, "We have six minority communities in India by definition. By notification, there are six communities. By virtue of being the Minister for Minority Affairs, I presented the bill and became the Chairma...