BJP leader Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday expressed his support for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on the Waqf Amendment Bill, emphasizing that the proposed amendments aim to uplift the common man and bring tangible benefits to society.
Khandelwal asserted that opposition to the Bill stems from political motives rather than genuine concerns.
“Yogi ji correctly pointed out in the podcast that the amendments in the Waqf Bill intend to uplift the lives of the common man and benefit them. Few people are opposing it as till now, they have done politics in the name of Waqf…Waqf Amendment Bill will be passed in the Parliament..,” he said.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s Criticism of the Opposition
Earlier, CM Yogi Adityanath criticized the opposition for allegedly spreading misinformation about the BJP’s stance on mosques and Waqf properties.
In an exclusive interview with media, Adityanath questioned the opposition’s intentions, asking how much land they intended to take over in the name of Waqf and what welfare initiatives had been undertaken using Waqf properties.
He also alleged that Waqf properties have been misused for personal gain, with some being sold multiple times, leading to disputes.
“What will the BJP do by taking over the Masjids? I think they (the Opposition) are trying to mislead. In the name of Waqf, how much land will you take over? Secondly, have they done any welfare in the name of Waqf? You can’t even name one. Look, they have misused that property for their personal selfishness. It has been sold at any cost. What is the situation today? They have sold one property to many people. Now there’s a dispute because of it.” – Yogi Adityanath
BJP Pushes for Transparency in Waqf Property Management
CM Yogi reiterated that the BJP’s goal is to free Waqf properties from encroachment and misuse while ensuring their proper utilization for community welfare. He also backed the Waqf Amendment Bill, saying it is necessary for both the nation and the Muslim community.
“The JPC has requested that the Waqf Amendment be made a necessity today, and it should move forward in a timely manner. I think it will be for the benefit of the country and also for the benefit of Muslims,” Adityanath added.
AIMPLB’s Protest and BJP’s Response
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has launched nationwide protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Patna.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, who heads the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, accused AIMPLB of politicizing the issue and misleading the Muslim community.
“The way AIMPLB is doing politics in the name of Waqf, they are trying to mislead the minorities and Muslims of the country,” Pal stated.
He further pointed out that the Bill has not yet been passed, yet AIMPLB had already begun protests for political reasons.
“Right now, the law hasn’t even come, yet, based on planned politics, they are already heading to Patna,” he added.
Key Reforms in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to introduce significant reforms, including:
âś… Digitization of Waqf properties
âś… Enhanced audits for transparency
âś… Legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties
âś… Ensuring proper utilization of Waqf assets for community welfare
The proposed amendments seek to curb corruption and ensure that Waqf properties serve their intended purpose, benefiting both the Muslim community and the nation as a whole.