Congress Pushing ‘Divide and Rule’ on Waqf Reforms, Says CM Vishnu Deo Sai at Raipur Seminar
Raipur : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of following a “divide and rule” policy reminiscent of British colonial governance in its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Speaking at a special lecture series held at Swargiya Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College Auditorium in Raipur, Sai said the amendment was essential to curb misuse and restore democratic functioning in the Waqf Board.
The event, attended by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh and top BJP leaders including Ramvichar Netam and Pawan Sai, focused on public outreach about the recently passed legislation. The BJP leadership framed the amendment as a corrective measure to empower poor Muslims, ensure transparency, and protect tribal land from being arbitrarily claimed as Waqf property.
Chief Minister Sai alleged that the 2013 amendment by the Congress had given “dictatorial powers” to the Waqf Board, allowing it to claim land without due checks, including that owned by Muslims and even temples. “Instead of helping the backward and women, the Waqf Board became a tool for the elite,” he said, blaming the Congress for enabling a system that led to exploitation.
Sai said that under the Modi government, the new amendment aimed to restore the original intent of Waqf—to support the underprivileged in the Muslim community. “The board had become a land-claiming authority under Congress rule. This reform re-establishes accountability and checks,” he said.
Amendment Protects Tribal Rights, Says Netam
Cabinet Minister Ramvichar Netam underlined that the amendment was not rushed. “It underwent extensive consultation. A Joint Parliamentary Committee, chaired by Jagdambika Pal, included all relevant feedback,” he said. He added that the new provisions prohibit Waqf claims on lands under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, thus safeguarding tribal interests—a major concern in states like Chhattisgarh.
Waqf Reform is for the Poor, Not Electoral Politics: BJP
The BJP also launched a 10-day “Waqf Awareness Campaign” starting May 1, to educate the Muslim community about the amendment’s benefits. Speaking at a strategy session at the party’s state headquarters, BJP National General Secretary Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal said, “This is not about elections. It’s about justice. The Sachar Committee exposed how Waqf land, worth thousands of crores, was leased for peanuts. We are fixing that.”
He noted that while Waqf land holdings have grown to 38 lakh acres, actual income remains a mere ₹163 crore due to widespread corruption. “The potential income is ₹1 lakh crore annually. The community has been robbed by caretakers and officials, aided by the flawed 2013 amendment,” Agrawal added.
BJP Leaders Back Reform as Pro-Poor Initiative
Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma echoed that the amendment is aligned with Modi’s vision of inclusive growth. “Reforms over the last decade have lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. This is another step in that direction,” said Sao. State BJP Vice President Shiv Ratan Sharma called the existing income from Waqf lands “a fraction of its potential” and blamed entrenched corruption.
BJP’s State General Secretary Pawan Sai compared the awareness drive to landmark BJP movements like Advani’s Rath Yatra and the abrogation of Article 370. “This is about empowering the neglected sections, not vote-bank politics,” he said.
Waqf Chairman Admits to Misuse
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman Dr. Saleem Raj conceded that Waqf properties had been widely misused and revenues lost. “Over 90% of Muslims are backward. Their upliftment is key to national progress. Mismanagement in Chhattisgarh alone may have cost around ₹200 crore in lost income,” he said.
The seminar was attended by several dignitaries including MPs, MLAs, and members of various BJP wings and government corporations. Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu and MP Ramji Bharti were also present. The session was moderated by Sanjay Srivastava.
