Government Plans Amendments to Waqf Board Act, Chief Priest and Political Leaders React

The central government is considering significant amendments to the Waqf Board Act, including enhanced property evaluations and increased female representation. Chief Priest Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj supports the move, while Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav opposes it, alleging BJP's intent to strip Muslims of their rights.

The central government is deliberating on a series of amendments to the Waqf Board Act. Among the proposed changes are enhanced property evaluations and ensuring women's representation on Waqf councils and boards. These proposals have elicited mixed reactions from various quarters.

Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Acharya Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj, welcomed the amendments. 'This is a good step; women will now have their share in the Waqf board's property,' he said. The official further questioned the basis on which the Waqf Board owned various properties and insisted that a thorough review of these assets was necessary.

On the contrary, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav strongly opposed the proposed amendments, accusing the BJP of attempting to strip Muslims of their rights. Yadav urged those concerned about the rights of backward classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities to abandon the BJP.

Sources indicate that the amendments could include registering Waqf Board properties with District Collectors to enable asset evaluations. First passed in 1954 and amended several times since, the Waqf Act has historically granted significant powers to Waqf Boards.