New Delhi, April 4 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday strongly criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Parliament, calling it a move akin to trade or business rather than a genuine effort to protect Muslim interests.

Addressing a press conference, Raut alleged that the government's focus was more on acquiring valuable Waqf properties and land, estimated to be worth around Rs 2 lakh crore, than on safeguarding the welfare of Muslims.

"Such bills are no less than a trade or business. The government claims to protect Muslims, but in reality, they are more interested in properties and land worth Rs 2 lakh crore," Raut said, expressing strong disapproval of the bill.

He further claimed that the bill was designed not to car...