Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a rally in Baghmara, Jharkhand, on Tuesday, accused the Waqf Board of illegally acquiring land and stressed the need for reforms in the institution. He called for amendments to the Waqf Act, claiming that the board has been “grabbing land” across various regions.
“The Waqf Board has developed a habit of seizing land. In Karnataka, it has taken over the properties of villagers, temples, and farmers. I ask, do we need to make changes to the Waqf Board?” Shah said, according to reports from PTI.
He also criticized Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for opposing proposed changes to the Waqf Act. “Hemant Babu and Rahul Gandhi may say no, but the BJP will push the Bill to amend the Waqf Act. No one can stop us,” Shah asserted.
At the rally, Shah also reiterated the BJP’s commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), emphasizing that the UCC is essential to curb illegal infiltration. However, he assured that the code would not apply to tribals in the state. “No one can stop the implementation of the UCC, which is necessary to tackle infiltration. I assure the tribals, they will be excluded from its scope,” he said.
The Home Minister also made a bold claim, stating that if the BJP comes to power in Jharkhand, it would take strong action to address illegal immigration, with “trainloads of infiltrators being sent back to Bangladesh.”
Additionally, Shah accused the ruling Hemant Soren-led government of turning infiltrators into its “vote bank.”
Shah vowed that the BJP would transform Jharkhand into one of the most prosperous states in India if it wins the upcoming elections. “Under our government, Jharkhand will become the most prosperous state within the next five years. We will ensure that every paisa looted by the JMM-Congress government is recovered,” he declared. The BJP leader also promised to create mineral-based industries in the state, ensuring employment and preventing migration to other states.
