Amit Shah Criticizes UPA for Transforming Waqf into a Land Acquisition Entity Before 2014 Elections
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent Lok Sabha debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that numerous properties were reportedly donated to Waqf, including lands from temples and government entities. He accused the UPA of manipulating Waqf rules before the 2014 elections, stating that the new amendments aim to prevent land seizures and ensure justice.
Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah provided examples of Waqf's land claims.
- Karnataka High Court intervened against Waqf's claim on 602 sq km of land.
- New Bill aims to protect various properties from being claimed by Waqf.
- Criticism of UPA for altering Waqf regulations pre-2014 elections.
- Government consulted over 1 crore public suggestions for amendments.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, presented a comprehensive list of properties he asserted were donated to Waqf. This catalog included lands associated with temples, other faiths, governmental entities, and more.
The Home Minister emphasized, “You cannot donate someone else’s property. You donate something which is yours.”
His remarks highlighted the government’s viewpoint that considerable lands and properties had been appropriated by Waqf, with last-minute measures to safeguard others. The government contended that Waqf had transformed into a mechanism for land acquisition.
To underscore his argument, Amit Shah provided various instances. He noted that the Karnataka High Court had to step in to prevent Waqf from claiming 602 square kilometers of land.
He also pointed out: “Properties in (Delhi’s) Lutyens zone were handed over to Waqf, and they began appropriating government land... In Tamil Nadu, a 400-year-old temple property was labeled as Waqf property. Land for a luxury establishment was allocated to Waqf for Rs 12,000 a month... Numerous properties belonging to various religions were declared as Waqf property, including Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj.”
The Home Minister asserted that the revised Waqf Bill would aid in averting such land transgressions. “This bill will safeguard property. Similar to ASI property, Tribal land, and private property, for Waqf, you can only donate private, personal property and not communal land (village). This bill will enhance transparency,” he stated.
Amit Shah criticized the UPA government for altering Waqf regulations just prior to the 2014 general elections. He characterized it as yet another case of “politics of appeasement” and remarked, “In 2013, they (the Congress-led government) eliminated the provision to take land-grabbing complaints to court. They have sinned. The new bill will not apply retrospectively, but they are attempting to intimidate the populace.”
The Home Minister further mentioned that the government had consulted a diverse range of individuals before introducing the amendments.
“We received over 1 crore suggestions from the public... Our principle is straightforward; we won’t enact any law for vote bank purposes, it’s about justice,” he said.
Amit Shah also highlighted that the Bill had garnered support from Christians in Kerala.
