UP chief minister accused the Waqf Board of illegal land grabbing and referred to it as the ‘land mafia board’
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the country’s premier Muslim organisation, has strongly condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on Waqf properties, describing them as misleading and factually incorrect.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Jamiat chief Maulana Mahmood Madani, said the chief minister’s statement reflects a deliberate attempt to target a particular community, thereby contravening his constitutional obligations.
Maulana Madani clarified that the essence of Waqf properties lies in their dedication to societal welfare, under Islamic principles. These properties have historically been utilised to build mosques, educational institutions, hospitals, and orphanages, and to provide assistance to the underprivileged. He highlighted that Waqf Boards, constituted under the Waqf Act of 1954, function under the supervision of state governments, while the Central Waqf Council operates under the Central government. This legal framework ensures an effective system for the management and protection of Waqf properties across the nation, he said.
“The chief minister’s derogatory remarks equating Waqf Boards with ‘land mafias’ are not only baseless but also an affront to the Constitution of the country and its legal framework.
Speaking at the ‘Mahakumbh Mahasamilan’ event alongside Arnab Goswami on Wednesday, the chief minister made strong remarks against the Waqf Board, declaring that “every inch of land occupied in the name of Waqf will be taken back.”
He accused the Waqf Board of illegal land grabbing and referred to it as the “land mafia board.”
Adityanath questioned the legitimacy of Waqf properties in areas like the Kumbh Mela region, stating, “The tradition of Kumbh is much older than Waqf. There is no justification for Waqf land to exist in the Kumbh Mela area.” He stressed that his government had amended the Waqf Act to facilitate a thorough review of land holdings.
He asserted, “Every inch of land will be taken back from those who have occupied it under the name of Waqf. Our focus is on reclaiming the land for public welfare projects, including houses, educational institutions, and hospitals for the poor.”
Adityanath also touched upon religious conversions, defending the practice of ‘ghar wapsi’ or returning to the original faith. “If someone wants to return to his religion of his own free will, he should be welcomed. This is a sign of awareness towards religion and tradition,” he said.
He described the Mahakumbh as more than a religious event, saying, “It is a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage and national unity. This event is not just about respecting tradition but preserving it for future generations.”
The chief minister also pointed out the historical significance of the Mahakumbh, noting its role in bringing together saints to reflect on social and political conditions. “The organisation of Mahakumbh symbolises a wonderful confluence of heritage and development in India,” he concluded.
