Shia cleric accuses Government of targeting Muslim Waqf properties, calls for nationwide opposition
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — Prominent Shia cleric and General Secretary of Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind, Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, has strongly criticised the Waqf Amendment Bill presented in Parliament, calling it “anti-constitutional” and a “bill of destruction.” Speaking to reporters at Asifi Mosque after Friday prayers, Maulana Naqvi alleged that the bill aims to seize Waqf properties and termed it a “Waqf Abolition Bill” rather than an amendment.
“The government is conspiring to seize Waqf properties, and this will never be accepted,” Maulana Naqvi declared. He emphasised that 14 sections of the bill are “completely anti-Waqf” and accused the government of targeting Muslim properties while ignoring those of other religions.
The cleric also raised concerns about the process followed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), calling it “unconstitutional and undemocratic.” He criticised JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal for allegedly ignoring the opinions of affected parties while giving undue importance to “irrelevant persons.”
“If the government wants transparency, why are documents of Waqf properties being asked only from Muslims?” Maulana Naqvi questioned. He further asked, “Is there only Waqf of Muslims in India? Why were temples not included in this process?” He pointed out that thousands of temples have been built on government land, and many even on Waqf properties, yet no documents are being sought from them.
Maulana Naqvi also highlighted the issue of government buildings constructed on Waqf land. “The documents of these properties are available, so when will those buildings be returned to Muslims?” he asked. He questioned the government’s intentions, stating, “If the government really wants the welfare of the country, how will seizing Muslim Waqf properties help the nation progress?”
The cleric also drew attention to the wealth of temples, suggesting that the immense amount of gold and silver stored in them should be used to improve the country’s economy. “Waqfs of other religions also own properties worth billions of rupees, but why are they not being brought under the ambit of this bill?” he asked.
Maulana Naqvi announced plans to launch a nationwide movement against the bill and called on opposition parties to unite in opposing it. “We will never accept this bill. A systematic movement will be launched soon,” he said. He urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to oppose the bill, stating that their support could prevent its passage in Parliament.
“The opposition must not stop at just walking out. They must participate enthusiastically in the voting and stop this bill,” he added.
The cleric also condemned Uttar Pradesh Minority Minister’s recent statement, in which he alleged that those opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill were involved in selling grave land for Rs. 5 lakh each. Terming the allegation a “white lie,” Maulana Naqvi challenged the minister to prove his claims or resign.
“If the minister cannot prove the allegation, he will have to resign from his post. If the allegations are proven, I am ready to resign from all my posts,” he said. He accused some individuals of supporting the bill for personal gain, calling them “traitors of the community.”
Maulana Naqvi concluded by asserting that Waqf properties belong to the Imam of the Age (a.s.) and warned that any conspiracy to seize them would not be tolerated. “The abandoned Waqf properties are the property of Imam of the Age (a.s.), and any conspiracy to seize them will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.
The Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked widespread debate, with many Muslim organisations and leaders joining Maulana Naqvi in opposing what they see as an attack on Muslim endowments. The government, however, maintains that the bill aims to bring transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties.
