In response to the controversy stirred by All India United Democratic Fund (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal, the Delhi Waqf Board has denied his claims that the Parliament House and Delhi Airport were built on Waqf-owned land. Sources of Indian TV within the Delhi Waqf Board revealed on Friday that no official documents exist to support Ajmal?s allegations.
Badruddin Ajmal, the Dhubri MP from Assam, made headlines earlier when he alleged that not only the Parliament House but also the areas surrounding it, including Vasant Vihar and Delhi Airport, were constructed on Waqf Board property. However, the Delhi Waqf Board rejected this statement, clarifying that while there may be a mazar (tomb) near the airport, no records confirm that the airport itself stands on Waqf land.
Ajmal?s remarks were made during a meeting organized by Jamiat Ulama in Assam, where he criticized the government?s stance on Waqf properties. He demanded that all Waqf land be handed back to the Muslim community, claiming they could use it to build educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and orphanages without relying on government assistance.
His statement drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded, saying, ?India has the largest Waqf properties in the world, and we must use them for the welfare of women, children, and backward groups within the Muslim community." BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also slammed Ajmal for "appeasement politics," accusing him of misleading voters after losing support to Congress in the recent elections.
Bhandari further added, ?The Constitution upholds secularism, and secularism means we cannot lease out the sovereignty of the country to any private body. This is why the government is working to bring the Waqf Amendment Act, ensuring that Waqf properties truly benefit the poor.?
The debate has intensified as Ajmal continues to push for the protection and restoration of Waqf properties, while the government and BJP leaders aim to balance community welfare with national interests.
