"Waqf Bill aims to uplift lives of common man and benefit them": BJP's Praveen Khandelwal

New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): BJP leader Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday voiced his support for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remarks on the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that the proposed amendments are designed to uplift the common man and bring tangible benefits to society.
Khandelwal reiterated the importance of the Bill, asserting that opposition to it originates from political motives.
"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.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the opposition for spreading misinformation about the BJP's stance on mosques and Waqf properties.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, CM Yogi Adityanath questioned the opposition's motives, asking how much land they intend to take over in the name of Waqf and what welfare initiatives they have undertaken using Waqf properties.
Adityanath alleged that Waqf properties have been misused for personal gain, with some properties 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 Wafq, 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 said.
He emphasised that the BJP's goal is to free Waqf properties from encroachment and misuse and ensure their utilisation for the welfare of the community. The party has been pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, which are meant to serve the Muslim community.
Yogi Adityanath voiced his support for the Waqf Amendment, stating that it's essential for the country's benefit 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," CM Yogi Adityanath said.
Earlier, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) launched a nationwide protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Patna.
BJP MP and chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Jagadambika Pal, criticised AIMPLB for its nationwide agitation, accusing the board of politicising the issue.
Pal stated, "The way AIMPLB is doing politics in the name of Waqf, they are trying to mislead the minorities and Muslims of the country."
He further addressed the controversy surrounding the Bill, citing the JPC's report, which indicated that the government is preparing to introduce the amended law. He pointed out that despite the Bill not being 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," Pal said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address key challenges by introducing reforms such as digitization, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that Waqf properties are utilized for their intended purposes, benefiting both the Muslim community and the country as a whole. (ANI)