Pralhad Joshi stated that the Centre’s legislation aims to limit the “unchecked authority” of Waqf. He accused the Congress party of losing public support due to its Muslim appeasement policies, yet noted that the party remains unwilling to learn from its mistakes. This assertion reflects a broader criticism of Congress’s approach to minority communities and its impact on their electoral standing. Joshi emphasized the importance of accountability and reform in political practices.
Vijayapur: Accusing Congress of engaging in Muslim appeasement politics concerning Waqf properties, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that the “Union government plans to introduce a new law aimed at curbing the unchecked authority” granted to Waqf by the previous Congress administration.
After meeting with agitating farmers at the deputy commissioner’s office, he told reporters,
“The previous Congress government gave uncontrolled and unchecked powers to the Waqf Board that cannot be questioned even in courts. The BJP government is making necessary amendments to introduce checks and balances in the Waqf law.”
Joshi further claimed that Congress is losing public support due to its Muslim appeasement strategies, yet remains unwilling to learn from its mistakes. He noted that while India, a secular country, has a Waqf law for Muslims, no other Muslim nation has a similar Waqf Act.
He stated that the Congress government in Karnataka is hastily updating Waqf property records because it fears that once the Centre passes the new law, it will no longer be able to operate according to its “whims and fancies.”
Labeling Waqf Minister Zamir Ahmed Khan a “fanatic,” Joshi called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to remove him from the cabinet.
He also urged the CM to retract all notices issued to farmers, instructing them to vacate alleged Waqf properties.
Referring to an order from Zamir that indicated he was acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, Joshi demanded clarification from the CM.
He said,
“The CM must clarify whether or not Zamir is carrying out your orders on the Waqf issue,”
Additionally, he insisted that the CM direct Zamir to stop holding Waqf Adalats, which have been ongoing for months.
In summary, Pralhad Joshi’s statements reflect a broader political strategy aimed at reforming Waqf property management in India. By challenging the previous administration’s approach and advocating for new legislation, the BJP seeks to address issues of accountability and transparency while positioning itself as a defender of secularism and fairness in governance.