Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has opposed the Waqf Properties Amendment Bill, calling it an attack on constitutional values and an attempt to target minority communities. Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya accused the BJP-led Union government of trying to seize control over Waqf properties under the pretext of reforms.
Bhattacharya claimed that the bill violates the secular principles of the Constitution and is designed to stir religious tensions for political gains.
“The essence of our Constitution guarantees religious freedom and the right to practice, propagate, and manage religious affairs. However, the BJP has been systematically weakening constitutional institutions to push its divisive agenda,” Bhattacharya alleged.
He said that land is a state subject, and the central government has no right to interfere in Waqf board matters without consulting state governments. “When any dispute arises over land, it is the state government that handles law and order. But this bill seeks to take away those powers, which is unconstitutional,” he said.
Bhattacharya accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his allies of eyeing Waqf properties for private interests. He claimed that the amendment is part of a larger agenda to redistribute these lands to BJP-backed businessmen.
“This government has handed over national assets to corporate allies under the guise of privatization. Now, they are targeting religious properties, starting with Waqf lands. Today, they are going after Waqf; tomorrow, they could target Hindu temple lands, church properties, or other religious trusts,” he warned.
JMM also linked the bill’s timing to the ongoing economic crisis, claiming that the BJP government is using religious issues to divert attention from unemployment, inflation, and its failures on foreign policy.
“When people ask about jobs and price hikes, BJP creates a communal controversy. This bill is not about governance; it is about dividing the country for electoral gains,” Bhattacharya asserted.
Bhattacharya reiterated that the Jharkhand government will not allow Waqf properties in the state to be taken over under this law. “Jharkhand is a peaceful state, and we will not let BJP’s communal politics disturb social harmony. We opposed this bill in Lok Sabha, we will oppose it in Rajya Sabha, and we will oppose it on the ground,” he declared.
He further warned that any attempt to impose this law without state consultation would be met with legal and political resistance.
The controversy over the Waqf Properties Amendment Bill is expected to escalate in the coming days, with opposition parties viewing it as a pre-election ploy by the BJP. With JMM and other regional parties gearing up for a political battle, the issue could become a flashpoint in national politics.