In a meeting convened by the Jamiyat Ulama in Assam, state chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal vehemently criticized the government for obstructing the rightful return of Waqf properties, igniting a heated debate over the treatment of Muslim interests in the region.
Ajmal’s comments were directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statements, where he expressed a vision for Muslim children to balance tradition and modernity by holding a Quran in one hand and a laptop in the other. Ajmal dismissed these remarks as “one of the biggest lies of Narendra Modi,” asserting that the government’s rhetoric of “sabka saath, sabka vishwas” (together with all, trust of all) is misleading, stating it instead promotes “sabka saath, sabka barbaadi” (together with all, destruction of all).
“The government claims to support everyone’s growth, yet it intentionally neglects the development of Muslims,” Ajmal added, underscoring the historical importance of Waqf properties. He emphasized that the Jamaat has been advocating for these lands since India’s independence, with many Muslims sacrificing their lives for this cause. “The Assam Waqf Board holds substantial properties across the state, including significant sites in Paltan Bazar and throughout Guwahati,” he noted.
Ajmal affirmed the determination of his group, stating, “We will not back down. 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.”
The controversy surrounding Waqf properties comes amid rising tensions between the government and opposition parties. On October 14, opposition MPs staged a walkout during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee tasked with examining a related bill. They accused the committee of being misused by Anwar Manippady, former chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission and Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, to defame the Congress-led Karnataka government and to level accusations against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in a land grabbing case.
Concerns were raised regarding the impartiality of the committee’s proceedings, particularly given Manippady’s ties to the BJP minority unit, prompting opposition members to question the legitimacy of the inquiry. As the debate over Waqf properties and Muslim rights intensifies, the issue is expected to remain a focal point in Assam’s political landscape.