Yogi Adityanath Accuses Waqf Board of Encroachment, Calls It ‘Land Mafia’
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Waqf Board, alleging that it had been encroaching on public and historical sites under arbitrary claims.
Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Waqf Board, alleging that it had been encroaching on public and historical sites under arbitrary claims.
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Speaking at an event in Prayagraj, Adityanath questioned the Board’s authority over lands, calling it a “land mafia” and warning that such encroachments would no longer be tolerated.
Waqf Board’s Claims Over Kumbh Mela Land Questioned
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath cited past incidents where the Waqf Board allegedly staked claims over various lands, including those used for the Kumbh Mela. “Even during Kumbh preparations, they declared the land belonged to them. We had to ask—has the Waqf Board turned into a land mafia?” he remarked.
The chief minister asserted that under his administration, illegal encroachments had been removed, and mafias had been eliminated from the state. He specifically mentioned land linked to Nishad Raj, saying that encroachments in such sacred areas would not be allowed to continue.
Praise for Modi, Shah on Waqf Legislation
Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for taking legislative action against alleged irregularities within the Waqf Board. “We are grateful to the PM and the home minister for ensuring that the Waqf Board’s arbitrary practices are curbed. A crucial act addressing this issue has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and is now in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Development Initiatives in Prayagraj
During the event, Adityanath inaugurated an exhibition highlighting stories of Lord Ram and King Nishadraj and launched projects under the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative. This was part of celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Nishadraj Guha, a close companion of Lord Ram.
He also laid the foundation stone for 181 development projects worth ₹579 crore in Prayagraj and announced ₹20 crore in financial aid under the Mukhyamantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for 1,400 fish farmers.
Maha Kumbh 2025 Preparations Underway
As Prayagraj prepares for Maha Kumbh 2025, Adityanath lauded the contributions of trained guides, boatmen, and homestay operators, honoring them with appreciation certificates. He highlighted how the Maha Kumbh had elevated Prayagraj’s global stature.
“No other faith can organize an event of such magnitude—only Ram devotees can. Over 66 crore devotees visited Prayagraj and left spiritually fulfilled,” he said.
‘Restoring Prayagraj’s Heritage’
Adityanath took a swipe at previous governments, accusing them of erasing the city’s historical identity for political gains. “Prayagraj is no longer just Allahabad. Those who tried to erase its identity did so for their vote-bank politics,” he said.
He further linked the BJP’s alliance with the Nishad Party to the historical friendship between Lord Ram and Nishadraj, emphasizing the party’s commitment to heritage and development.
“Respect and identity are priceless. Earlier governments nurtured criminals and let mafias run districts, but our double-engine government is restoring our ancestors’ legacy in a grand way,” he asserted.
The chief minister also highlighted the transparency in government schemes, stating that funds meant for beneficiaries were now reaching them directly. “Earlier, no one knew where the money went. Now, the benefits are reaching the people,” he said.
Adityanath concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of Uttar Pradesh while ensuring law and order remains intact.
