A “Parivar’s” Board has More Land than Waqf in India: BJP’s Sambit on Waqf Bill
In a recent remark that has sparked a heated debate, BJP MP Sambit Patra, while speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Waqf Bill, claimed that the board of a particular “parivaar” (family) has more land than the Waqf Board in India. His comment was directed at the Congress’ Gandhi family, and it has left many wondering if there is any truth to his statement.
The Waqf Bill, also known as the Waqf Properties (Management and Regulation) Bill, 2020, aims to regulate and manage the Waqf properties in the country. The Bill seeks to ensure that the Waqf properties are utilized for the benefit of the Muslim community and that the management of these properties is transparent and accountable.
During the debate on the Bill, Sambit Patra, a vocal BJP leader, made a startling revelation. He claimed that the Indian Railways, the Indian Army, and the Waqf Board are the three biggest landowners in India. However, he then added that he had some doubts about this fact. “The third-biggest landowner is the board of a ‘parivaar’ (family),” he said, clearly referring to the Congress’ Gandhi family.
Patra’s claim was met with shock and disbelief from the opposition benches. Many Congress leaders and supporters took to social media to express their outrage and disappointment at Patra’s remark. They argued that the BJP was trying to divert attention from the real issues and was using personal attacks to discredit the opposition.
However, Patra’s statement has also sparked a debate about the ownership of land in India. Is it true that the Waqf Board, which manages the properties of Muslim religious institutions, has less land than other entities? And if so, what does this say about the management of these properties?
To understand this issue better, it is essential to look at the history and the current state of the Waqf properties in India. The Waqf system is an Islamic institution that dates back to the 16th century. It is based on the idea that Muslims have a religious duty to give away a portion of their property to support the poor and the needy. Over time, the Waqf system has evolved, and today, it includes properties such as mosques, madrasas, and other religious institutions.
The Waqf Board is responsible for managing these properties and ensuring that they are used for the benefit of the Muslim community. However, the Board has faced several challenges in recent years, including corruption, mismanagement, and lack of transparency. As a result, many Waqf properties have been misused or have fallen into disrepair.
The Indian government has been trying to address these issues by introducing reforms and regulations to improve the management of Waqf properties. The Waqf Bill, 2020, is part of this effort. The Bill aims to establish a mechanism for the regulation and management of Waqf properties, which will ensure that they are used for the benefit of the Muslim community and that the management of these properties is transparent and accountable.
In addition to the Waqf Bill, the government has also been trying to improve the management of other properties, including those owned by the Indian Railways and the Indian Army. These properties are managed by separate authorities, which are responsible for ensuring that they are used for the benefit of the public and the country.
In conclusion, Sambit Patra’s remark about the Waqf Board having less land than a “parivaar” (family) has sparked a debate about the ownership of land in India. While it is true that the Waqf Board manages a significant amount of land, it is also important to note that other entities, including the Indian Railways and the Indian Army, own even more land. The management of these properties is essential for the benefit of the public and the country, and it is crucial that these properties are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.
Source: https://x.com/sambitswaraj/status/1907457992200688006
