Badruddin Ajmal demands return of Waqf properties in Assam, criticizes government’s stance

In a meeting organized by the Jamiyat Ulama in Assam, state chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Waqf properties accusing the government of obstructing the rightful return of these lands. Ajmal's statements came as part of a broader discussion on the government's treatment of Muslim interests in the region.

Ajmal criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks, stating, “Modi says he wants to see Muslim children with a Quran in one hand and a laptop in the other. This is one of the biggest lies of Narendra Modi. Instead of his vision of ‘sabka saath, sabka vishwas,’ he is promoting ‘sabka saath, sabka barbaadi.’” He said that while the government claims to support everyone's growth, it intentionally neglects the development of Muslims.

Highlighting the historical significance of Waqf properties, Ajmal said, “Our Jamaat has fought since India’s independence and played a significant role in achieving it. Many Muslims sacrificed their lives for this cause.” He pointed out that the Assam Waqf Board has substantial properties across the state, including locations in Paltan Bazar and throughout Guwahati.

“We will not back down,” Ajmal said. “We object to the bill and are prepared to fight for our rights, taking our case from the High Court to the Supreme Court if necessary. These lands hold deep historical and religious significance and must remain under Waqf control.”

Earlier on october 14, Opposition MPs staged a walkout during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee formed to examine the bill. The Opposition members alleged that the forum was misused by Anwar Manippady, the former chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, to defame the Congress-ruled Karnataka government and to level charges against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in a land grabbing case.

Members pointed out that Manipaddy also served as a member of the BJP minority unit, raising further concerns about the impartiality of the committee's proceedings.