CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Dr. Sanwar Patel’s Press Conference at BJP Office Focuses on Waqf Amendment Bill
Dr. Sanwar Patel, State Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, addressed a press conference at the BJP state office, strongly criticizing the opposition over the Waqf Amendment Bill.
He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government’s proposed Waqf Amendment Bill aims to serve the underprivileged, women, and needy sections of the Muslim community, aligning with the vision of “Antyodaya” (upliftment of the last person in the queue).
Patel emphasized that the bill was prepared after receiving suggestions from around 20 million people across India, including through online platforms. He said the bill would bring transparency to Waqf properties and ensure rightful ownership for deserving beneficiaries.
Targeting the opposition, he alleged that parties like the Congress and Samajwadi Party are opposing the bill because they treat the Muslim community as a vote bank. He further accused these parties and certain land mafias hiding behind the Waqf Board of trying to obstruct the empowerment of the Muslim community.
Listing the benefits of the bill, Dr. Patel noted that it would significantly increase the revenue of the Waqf Board. Currently, Madhya Pradesh has 15,008 Waqf properties, generating an annual income of around ₹2 crore. However, according to lease norms, this figure should be closer to ₹100 crore. With the passing of the bill, the Waqf Board’s estimated income could reach up to ₹12,000 crore, which would be used for the education, health, and employment of Muslim youth.
Dr. Patel also criticized Congress for creating the Waqf Act in 1995 and amending it in 2013 just before elections, claiming they never genuinely cared about Muslim empowerment. He highlighted that the Modi government’s bill will provide representation for Bohra, Khani, Pasmanda communities, and women in the Waqf Board, ensuring inclusive development.
He further accused the Congress of practicing a politics of deception, citing their stance on Article 370, Triple Talaq, and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Patel noted that Congress set up the Sachar Committee but suppressed its report for 8 years, whereas the BJP government is now implementing its recommendations.
Senior party leaders including Raghvendra Sharma, M. Ejaz Khan, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Ajay Singh Yadav, and Shivam Shukla were present at the event.
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