Amit Shah Criticizes UPA for Transforming Waqf into a Land Acquisition Tool Ahead of 2014 Elections
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Synopsis
Amit Shah criticized the UPA for altering Waqf rules before the 2014 elections, alleging that it turned Waqf into a land-grabbing entity. He presented evidence of land claims and emphasized that the new Waqf Bill would protect properties and enhance transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Amit Shah alleges UPA misused Waqf for land acquisition.
- Claims of properties belonging to temples and other religions being misappropriated.
- New Waqf Bill aims to safeguard property rights.
- Consulted over 1 crore suggestions before amendments.
- Support from various communities, including Christians in Kerala.
New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, provided an extensive list of properties he alleged were donated to Waqf. This list encompassed lands belonging to temples, other faiths, the government, and more.
The Home Minister declared, “You cannot donate someone else’s property. You donate something that belongs to you.”
His remarks bolstered the government's position that considerable lands and assets had been seized by Waqf, with last-minute actions taken to safeguard others. The government maintained that Waqf had evolved into a mechanism for land usurpation.
To substantiate his argument, Amit Shah referenced multiple instances. He pointed out that the Karnataka High Court had to step in to prevent Waqf from claiming 602 square kilometers of land.
He also remarked: “Properties in (Delhi’s) Lutyens zone were transferred to Waqf, and they began encroaching on government land... In Tamil Nadu, a 400-year-old temple property was classified as Waqf property. Land for a luxury hotel was leased to Waqf for just Rs 12,000 a month... Numerous properties belonging to various religions were designated as Waqf property, including Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in Prayagraj.”
The Home Minister claimed that the revised Waqf Bill would assist in averting such land appropriations. “This bill will safeguard property. Similar to ASI property, Tribal land, private property, and for Waqf, donations can only be made from private, personal property and not community-owned land. This bill will enhance transparency,” he stated.
Amit Shah criticized the UPA government for altering Waqf regulations right before the 2014 general elections. He labeled it as another case of “political appeasement” and said, “In 2013, they (the Congress-led government) eliminated the provision for addressing land-grabbing complaints in court. They committed a sin. The new bill will not have retrospective effect, but they are attempting to intimidate the public.”
The Home Minister further emphasized that the government had sought input from a diverse range of individuals before enacting the amendments.
“We received over 1 crore suggestions from citizens... Our principle is unequivocal; we will not enact any law for electoral gain; it’s for justice,” he stated.
Amit Shah also highlighted that the Bill had garnered support from Christians in Kerala.
