Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP Over Proposed Changes to Waqf Act

On Monday, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav expressed concerns that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to take away the rights of Muslims. This statement came after reports emerged about the government’s plans to amend the Waqf Board Act.

Yadav said, “BJP has no work except Hindu-Muslim or how to snatch the rights of Muslim brothers. The rights they have got, the right to freedom or the right to follow their religion, the right to maintain their working system.”

He also criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying, “He (CM Yogi Adityanath) came to know that Nazul is an Urdu word, and the officials kept explaining to him that Nazul means something else. But he thought that Nazul meant the land of Muslims.”

Yadav urged those concerned about the rights of Dalits, tribals, and minorities to leave BJP. He said, “Those who are worried about reservation, backwards, Dalits, tribals and minorities should leave BJP immediately. Their aim from the very first day has been to defame the socialists and especially their thinking about Muslims is undemocratic and unconstitutional.”

He further attacked the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, stating that CM Yogi is not a true Yogi as he does not believe in democracy. “If a ‘Yogi’ does not believe in democracy, the Constitution, he cannot be a ‘Yogi,” Yadav said.

According to sources, the central government is considering 32-40 amendments to the Waqf Act, which was first passed in 1954 and later revised in 1995 and 2013. The proposed changes could limit the Waqf Board’s power and require property registration with the District Collector. The amendments also aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women’s representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards.