Send Suggestions on Waqf Board to J.P.C by 10th September: BJP Spokesperson Vivek Sharma

Solan: BJP spokesperson Vivek Sharma has called upon the public to actively participate in sending their suggestions regarding the powers and jurisdiction of the Waqf Board to the Parliamentary Joint Committee (JPC). The committee, chaired by MP Jagdambika Pal, has invited inputs from citizens across India. These suggestions must be submitted by 10th September either via post or email to the Joint Secretary (J.M), Lok Sabha Secretariat, 440, Parliament House, New Delhi, with the fax number provided as 011 23017709 and the email address jcpwaqf-lss@sansad.nic.in.

Vivek Sharma emphasized that the Waqf Board, established by the Congress government in 1995, and given extensive powers in 2013 for vote bank politics, needs to be re-evaluated. He pointed out that under Section 85 of the Waqf Act, decisions made by the Waqf Board cannot be challenged in court, raising concerns about unchecked power.

Additionally, Sharma highlighted that the Waqf Board controls over 6 lakh acres of land in India, second only to the Indian Railways and Defence forces. The estimated value of this land is over ₹1.20 lakh crore. Much of this land has been accumulated legally and illegally, but the Act does not allow for a review or scrutiny of these acquisitions.

Sharma also mentioned that “Waqf” is an Arabic term meaning “charitable trust,” but stated that over 80% of Waqf Board lands are being used for commercial activities, which contradicts the principles of Islam. He argued that donations intended for the welfare of the community are now being exploited for profit, against the teachings of the Quran.

He urged all citizens to carefully study the subject and send unbiased suggestions to the central government to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the loopholes in the law. He also emphasized that intellectuals from the Muslim community, especially women, should openly oppose those misusing religious tenets for personal gain and hindering the upliftment of education, nationalism, and the betterment of society.

Sharma concluded by stating that the future of the nation lies in the hands of its citizens, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that fair and just systems are put in place for the progress of the country.