Opposition Accused of Inciting Muslims Against BJP Over Waqf Board, Claims Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Varanasi, Oct 07, 2024 — In a spirited address at the BJP Membership Campaign Conference 2024, former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi took aim at opposition parties, alleging they are stirring discontent among Muslims against the BJP by misusing the Waqf Board. Naqvi asserted that the Waqf system, established in the 19th century, primarily benefits the elite rather than ordinary Muslims.
Speaking to a gathering at the Rudraksh Convention Center in Sigra, Naqvi highlighted a historical perspective, referencing a ruling from the Privy Council in 1890 that labeled the Waqf as “most evil and harmful.” According to him, this system was designed to safeguard the properties of Nawabs and kings, leaving the average Muslim community without any real advantages. “The opposition is currently inciting Muslims against the BJP using the Waqf Board, but the truth is that ordinary Muslims have gained no benefit from it,” he stated emphatically.
Naqvi didn’t hold back in his criticism of historical figures, suggesting that the failure to abolish the Waqf system was due to a collusion between Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the British. He argued that this led to the establishment of the Waqf Act, which he believes has perpetuated the system’s flaws.
Turning to the present, Naqvi praised the Narendra Modi government for its efforts to amend the rules governing the Waqf Board. He reassured the audience that these proposed changes are not intended to interfere with religious sites such as mosques, mazaars, imambaras, and dargahs. Instead, he accused the opposition of spreading misinformation to incite fear and provoke the Muslim community against the BJP.
Naqvi also took a swipe at the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), claiming they have failed to uplift the Muslim community despite their claims of being its biggest supporters. “They treat Muslims as mere vote banks for their own advantage,” he asserted, emphasizing that the opposition’s animosity towards the BJP is driven by political motives rather than genuine concern for the community.
In a bid to counter the narrative that the BJP discriminates against Muslims, Naqvi pointed out that the Modi government has extended significant benefits from various central and state schemes to the Muslim community. “We have never discriminated against the Muslim community,” he reiterated, urging the audience to recognize the truth behind the political rhetoric.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, Naqvi’s remarks reflect a broader strategy by the BJP to consolidate support among Muslim voters by challenging the narratives put forth by opposition parties. Whether this approach will resonate with the community remains to be seen, but Naqvi’s passionate address certainly aimed to shift the conversation around the Waqf Board and its implications for ordinary Muslims.
