Amit Shah slams Waqf board for land grabbing, vows to implement Uniform Civil Code in Jharkhand

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a poll rally in Baghmara, Jharkhand on Tuesday, made a series of strong allegations against the Waqf Board, accusing it of land grabbing activities in Karnataka. Shah claimed that the Waqf Board had seized land from a variety of sources, including temples, farmers, and villagers in the state. He cited specific instances where the Board allegedly took over agricultural land, temple properties, and land belonging to local villagers. Shah called for urgent reforms, stating, “The Waqf Board is in the habit of grabbing land. In Karnataka, it has devoured the assets of villagers… It has grabbed land parcels of temples, farmers, and villagers." He further called for amendments to the Waqf Act, which governs the Waqf Board, to prevent such actions in the future.

Shah’s remarks came as the state of Jharkhand prepares for Assembly elections, scheduled for November 13 and 20, with the vote counting set for November 23. He addressed the rally by stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would introduce legislation to amend the Waqf Act if it came to power in the state. Shah specifically called out Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, both of whom have expressed opposition to changes in the Waqf Act. “Hemant Babu and Rahul Gandhi say no. I tell you let them oppose it, the BJP will pass the Bill to amend the Waqf Act. No one can stop us,” Shah asserted. He emphasized that the BJP’s stance on the issue was firm, signaling that the party would pursue these reforms despite resistance.

Shah also reiterated the BJP’s commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across India, with a particular focus on its importance for controlling illegal immigration. The Uniform Civil Code is a contentious issue that seeks to establish a single set of laws for all citizens of India, irrespective of their religion. Shah emphasized that the UCC was crucial to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants and asserted that tribals in Jharkhand would be excluded from the UCC’s ambit. “No one can stop the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code aimed at preventing infiltration in Jharkhand, and tribals will be kept out of its ambit,” Shah claimed. He framed the UCC as a necessary measure to ensure the integrity and security of the state, amid concerns about the impact of illegal immigration in border states.

In addition to his remarks on the UCC, Shah accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition of exploiting the issue of illegal immigration for political gains. He claimed that the JMM government had been using infiltrators as a vote bank to gain electoral advantage. Shah stated that if the BJP came to power in Jharkhand, it would take decisive action to curb illegal immigration. “Trainloads of illegal immigrants will be sent to Bangladesh,” Shah said. This statement echoes the BJP’s broader political narrative of tackling illegal immigration, which it claims is a major threat to national security and resources. Shah’s comments were aligned with the BJP’s position on immigration control, an issue the party has often emphasized in its campaigns.

Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party over their position on reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC). He accused the Congress of opposing OBC reservations, which have been a major point of contention in Indian politics. “Rahul Gandhi’s four generations can’t touch your reservation,” Shah remarked, referring to the Gandhi family’s long-standing political legacy. This statement was a direct criticism of the Congress party's leadership, suggesting that they were out of touch with the needs of the OBC community, a crucial voter base in many Indian states. Shah’s remarks were aimed at solidifying the BJP's position as a champion of social justice for backward communities, particularly those in need of affirmative action policies.

Shah also promised significant economic development for Jharkhand, pledging to make the state the most prosperous in India over the next five years if the BJP were to secure victory in the upcoming elections. He emphasized the need for industrial development in the state, particularly in sectors related to mining and minerals, which are abundant in Jharkhand. Shah promised to set up mineral-based industries, claiming that these would create jobs, reduce out-migration, and boost the state’s economy. He also assured voters that any funds allegedly misappropriated by the current JMM-Congress government would be recovered, stating, “Each paisa looted by JMM-Congress leaders will be returned to its treasury.” Shah concluded his speech by reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to developing Jharkhand’s infrastructure and creating an environment that would retain talent and prevent the outflow of workers to other states.