Uttarakhand Chief Minister Defends Waqf (Amendment) Bill Amidst Opposition Criticism

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, emphasizing its role in curbing land-grabbing by the Waqf Board. Despite opposition, the bill aims to regulate State Waqf Boards. A drive to reclaim encroached land will resume post-monsoon, freeing 5000 acres so far.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami underscored the necessity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, claiming it aims to curb land-grabbing by the Waqf Board. 'There were numerous controversial cases involving land being seized by the Waqf Board. This bill will address such activities,' Dhami stated to ANI.

Dhami also mentioned that Uttarakhand's campaign to reclaim illegally encroached land, paused due to the monsoon, will resume after the rainy season. 'Five thousand acres of illegally encroached land have been reclaimed so far,' he added.

Khalid Rasheed of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board criticized the bill, calling it a 'wrong perspective' on Waqf properties. Congress MP KC Venugopal stated that the bill is an attack on the federal system, while opposition parties demanded its withdrawal or referral to a standing committee.

(With inputs from agencies.)