Minority Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar’s statement sparks debate amid ongoing deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill continues to unfold with the Uttar Pradesh government presenting a bold claim regarding iconic buildings in the state capital – Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara. The Minority Minister, Om Prakash Rajbhar, asserted that these historical buildings are not constructed on Waqf land, raising eyebrows among both locals and lawmakers.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), tasked with reviewing the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, met recently in Lucknow, where the Uttar Pradesh government presented a report that has since ignited public debate. According to the report, the state has approximately 14,000 hectares of Waqf land, with nearly 78% — around 11,000 hectares — being government land. Additionally, the report made the startling claim that the Bada Imambara, Chota Imambara, and even the Bahu Begum’s tomb in Ayodhya are not Waqf properties, as previously believed.
In his statement, Rajbhar insisted, “The Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara are not Waqf properties,” suggesting that the status of these landmark buildings had been misrepresented. This revelation has led to further scrutiny of their historical significance, as both Imambaras are central to the Shia community and have long been associated with religious and cultural practices.
The Bada Imambara, also known as the Bhool Bhulaiya or Asifi Imambara, was constructed in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. A revered Shia religious site, it has historically served as a centre for the observance of the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala. “This Imambara is more than just a building; it is a living memory of the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain,” said Dr Shamsur Rahman, a local historian. The structure, which also houses the Asifi Jama Masjid, is considered one of the largest mosques in the world.
Meanwhile, the Chota Imambara, constructed in 1838 by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, is another significant Shia religious centre in Lucknow. Also known as Hussainabad Mubarak, it plays a crucial role in Muharram observances, attracting large numbers of devotees. “During Muharram, the Imambara is beautifully illuminated with Belgian lights, symbolising the light of truth,” said Mohammad Ali, an official from the Hussainabad Mubarak Trust.
As the debate over the status of these landmarks unfolds, the larger conversation surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill intensifies. The JPC is expected to present its findings in the upcoming Parliament session beginning 31st January. The committee, which has held 34 meetings so far, has engaged with representatives from Waqf Boards in more than 13 states. However, the committee has yet to visit Jammu and Kashmir, where the Muslim population is the largest in the country, raising questions about the inclusivity of its investigation.
The claims made by the Uttar Pradesh government have added fuel to the already heated discussions about Waqf properties and their management. As the parliamentary session approaches, all eyes will be on how this issue is addressed, and whether the government’s stance on these historic sites will stand or be revisited.
