Biplab Highlights Wakf Reforms claiming that the reforms brought under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership are aimed at ending the longstanding misuse of Wakf properties
Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday spoke strongly in favor of the amended Wakf Bill, claiming that the reforms brought under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership are aimed at ending the longstanding misuse of Wakf properties and ensuring benefits reach the broader Muslim community.
Speaking at the “Janajagaran Abhiyan”—a public awareness campaign on the amended Wakf Bill—organized by BJP Tripura Pradesh at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Deb alleged that for decades, a powerful few have monopolized the benefits of Wakf assets, leaving the majority of Muslims excluded from its intended welfare use.
Wakf: Vast Assets, Limited Access
The MP highlighted that Wakf properties form the third-largest category of land holdings in India, surpassing even some central institutions in terms of total land value. Despite this, Deb said, these properties have failed to serve the welfare needs of the broader community due to mismanagement, lack of transparency, and political misuse.
Citing the 2006 Sachar Committee Report, Deb pointed out that the report itself acknowledged that nearly 80 percent of Wakf properties were being misused, with the benefits cornered by a small elite group. He said ordinary Muslims have long been deprived of access to educational, social, and economic benefits that should have been derived from these assets.
Accusations Against Congress and Nehru’s Legacy
Deb came down heavily on the Congress party and its historical leadership, particularly former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, accusing them of misusing Wakf properties for vote-bank politics and neglecting the real needs of the Muslim population. He said that political favoritism and appeasement policies under Congress rule allowed corruption and misuse of community assets to flourish.
“The Congress used Wakf for its own benefit, not for the welfare of Muslims. Their policies have only empowered a select few, while the majority remain neglected,” Deb asserted.
Contrasting States: Mamata vs Yogi
Deb also criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of ignoring pressing issues in her state—such as the cancellation of 26,000 jobs—and instead promoting communal unrest over the Wakf Bill. In contrast, he praised Uttar Pradesh, which holds nearly 50% of Wakf properties in the country, for maintaining peace despite the implementation of the new law.
Tripura Case and Personal Initiative
Recalling his own tenure as Chief Minister of Tripura, Deb shared an example of proactive reform: a grant of Rs. 90 lakh was approved to relocate a mosque that had been built on Khas (government) land that needed to be cleared for border fencing. “This was done respectfully, lawfully, and in public interest,” he said.
Call for Strict Action on Kailashahar Unrest
Deb also took a firm stand on the recent protests in Kailashahar, demanding strict legal action against those responsible for inciting unrest in the name of opposing the amended Wakf law. “Nobody is above the law. Attempts to disturb harmony must be dealt with seriously,” he warned.
A Historic Step for Reform
Terming the Wakf Amendment Bill as “historic and necessary,” Deb said it marks a shift towards transparency, accountability, and equal access to community resources for all Muslims, not just a privileged few. He credited Prime Minister Modi for taking bold steps to correct systemic injustices and reform institutions that had been functioning without checks for decades.
