Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp critique of the Waqf Board, accusing it of encroaching upon public and historical lands, and asserting that its "arbitrary claims" would no longer be tolerated.
Addressing a gathering in Prayagraj, Adityanath condemned the board’s alleged overreach in claiming ownership of lands, including those earmarked for the Kumbh Mela.
“The Waqf Board had been making baseless claims over lands across cities. Even during the preparations for the Kumbh Mela, they declared that the event’s land belonged to them. We had to ask – has the Waqf Board turned into a land mafia?” he remarked.
The chief minister pointed to his government’s efforts to clear encroachments and dismantle unlawful land occupations.
“Encroachments were made in the name of Waqf at various places, including the sacred land associated with Nishad Raj. But this will not be allowed to continue. A grand and divine Kumbh Mela was organised despite their objections,” he stated.
Adityanath also extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for initiating legislative measures to curb alleged irregularities associated with the Waqf Board.
“We are grateful to the prime minister and the home minister for ensuring that the Waqf Board’s arbitrary practices are curbed. A crucial act addressing this issue has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and will now be cleared in the Rajya Sabha,” he noted.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The chief minister reaffirmed his commitment to preventing unlawful claims over land and stated that national interest must take precedence. “Those who are loyal to the nation will always find their path ahead,” he said.
Follow us
