Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on the Waqf Board, accusing it of illegitimately claiming public and historical lands, including areas associated with the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. He even called Waqf Board as land grabbing mafia.
Speaking at an event in Shringverpur, Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for introducing a new bill aimed at addressing disputes over Waqf properties and preventing unauthorized land claims.
“During the Mahakumbh, the Waqf Board even claimed that the land belonged to them. I thank the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for bringing this bill,” Adityanath stated, reinforcing the spiritual and cultural significance of Prayagraj. “This is our sacred land, where devotees from across the country and the world come to offer their prayers with reverence,” he added. He further asserted that the government’s commitment to protecting religious and historical sites remains unwavering, and any attempts to distort historical claims would be strongly opposed.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s crackdown on alleged illegal land encroachments by the Waqf Board and other groups. “We have driven out Waqf mafias and land mafias from Uttar Pradesh,” he declared, emphasising that the arbitrary claims of the Waqf Board on public and religious sites would no longer be tolerated.
Adityanath pointed out that several places, including land associated with Nishadraj, had been encroached upon in the name of Waqf. “Even during the Kumbh, statements were made that the land of Kumbh also belongs to Waqf. We had asked - has the Waqf Board become a land mafia?” he remarked. Despite objections, he highlighted that a grand and successful Kumbh Mela was organised under his government.
He further stressed that his administration has taken decisive action against encroachments, demolishing illegal structures built on government and religious lands. The Chief Minister maintained that his government would continue to act against land encroachment by any group, ensuring that public and historical properties remain protected.
The controversy comes as the Union government moves to regulate Waqf properties more strictly. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. This bill aims to bring greater transparency and accountability in Waqf property management, curbing misuse and
fraudulent claims. “We are grateful to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for curbing the arbitrariness of the Waqf Board. An important bill resolving this issue has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and will soon be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well,” Adityanath stated. He reaffirmed that the state would no longer tolerate illegal claims on public land, stressing that “national interest must come first.”
The Chief Minister further elaborated that this bill would help restore rightful ownership of lands to the government and the people, ending years of legal battles over disputed properties.
He called upon the public to be vigilant and support the government’s efforts in safeguarding public resources from unlawful claims.
The remarks have added fuel to an ongoing political and legal debate over the regulation of Waqf properties, with the government positioning itself as a protector of public land and heritage sites.
