Amit Shah Assures Protection of Waqf Properties, Slams Opposition for ‘Divisive Politics’

New Delhi, April 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday assured the Muslim community that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, does not allow non-Muslims to take over Waqf properties. He also accused the Opposition of attempting to divide the country over the issue.

“You (Opposition) would break this country… Through this House, I would like to tell Muslims of the country that not even one non-Muslim would come into your Waqf. This Act has no such provision,” Shah stated while addressing the Lok Sabha.

Crackdown on Misuse of Waqf Properties

Defending the bill, Shah highlighted the government’s intention to prevent corruption and mismanagement of Waqf properties. “What would the Waqf Board and Waqf Council do? Catch the people selling off Waqf properties and drive them out. Catch those who lease off their properties for 100 years in the name of Waqf,” he said.

Shah claimed that the declining income of Waqf properties was harming the welfare of minority communities. “The income of Waqf is dropping, the income with which we have to develop minorities and push them forward is being stolen. The Waqf Board and Council will ensure that such activities are stopped,” he asserted.

Opposition’s Strong Resistance

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has sparked a heated debate in Parliament, with the Opposition accusing the government of trying to control Waqf properties and marginalize minorities. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi earlier challenged the government’s claims and demanded evidence regarding the transfer of 123 Waqf properties under UPA rule in 2014.

The bill has also faced criticism over the requirement for a “certificate of religion”, which the Opposition claims violates constitutional rights.

With the government pushing forward with the legislation, the debate over Waqf property management, minority welfare, and political motivations is expected to continue in the coming days.