Properties Transferred by Congress to Waqf Board

The relationship between Congress and the Waqf Board has long been the subject of debate, particularly regarding the transfer of properties and the political motives behind them. While the Waqf Board stands as the third-largest landowner in India, questions arise about how these assets have benefitted Indian Muslims, who continue to face challenges related to income, education, and development.

Despite the Waqf Board's vast resources, Indian Muslims have lower per capita income and education levels than even Dalits, highlighting the failure of these properties to create tangible upliftment. The argument goes that dissolving the Waqf Board and redistributing its monetized assets among Indian Muslims could provide them with more direct and meaningful support.

Related Story: Waqf Emergency in Karnataka

Historical Context: Congress and Partition

Before delving into the recent property transfers, it's important to reflect on Congress's historical decisions that shaped modern India.

Before Independence:

• Congress played a role in the creation of Pakistan, a move still debated to this day.

• Similarly, Congress’s policies contributed to the loss of a large part of Kashmir, now known as Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Post-Independence:

• After India gained freedom, Congress introduced Article 370, a provision in the Constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that this provision was designed to eventually facilitate the complete transfer of the region to Pakistan. However, with the rise of Narendra Modi, this narrative was disrupted as his government abrogated Article 370, changing the status quo of Kashmir.

• Now, the Congress party, in alliance with the National Conference (NC), aims to restore Article 370, signaling their intent to revive the original arrangement that would have allowed Kashmir to be slowly handed over.

Recent Breaking Story: Waqf Claims Hindu Temple in Delhi

Congress’s Role in Property Transfers to the Waqf Board

During its extensive six-decade rule, Congress also transferred large tracts of land within India to the Waqf Board, effectively using the Waqf Act to allocate prime properties to Muslim organizations. These moves are often criticized as politically motivated, particularly in the context of election campaigns where such decisions are seen as a way to secure a specific voter base.

Related Post: Uddhav Thackeray Waqf Board News

Properties Congress Gifted to Waqf Right Before Elections

Ahead of critical elections, several properties were transferred to the Waqf Board, sparking controversy and public outcry.

Notable Properties Transferred:

• JP Hospital Property: A large and valuable plot that raised questions about the transparency of the transfer.

• Religious and Public Spaces: Areas such as a Masjid and Cremation Ground, and the Ramleela Ground were also transferred, symbolizing Congress’s political alignment with religious institutions.

• India Gate Vicinity: Land near the iconic India Gate was handed over, with over 128+ properties being transferred to the Waqf Board by the UPA government.

• These moves have been criticized as redistributing the rightful resources of the Indian people to a specific community for political gain.

Does the Waqf Board Pay Taxes?

No, the Waqf Board’s income is exempt from Income Tax, further compounding the issue. Despite owning such a large proportion of land and generating revenue from rents and other sources, the Waqf Board does not contribute to the national tax system. This exemption, protected by Congress, has been the focus of much debate as it shields an already wealthy institution from financial accountability.

Congress’s Legacy and its Impact

Many argue that Congress's actions in transferring land to the Waqf Board were an attempt to achieve what the Mughals could not do during their reign—secure lasting control over prime Indian land for Muslim institutions. By ensuring these large swathes of property remain in the hands of religious bodies, Congress cemented its position with certain voter segments, but at what cost to the nation?

As we approach another election cycle, the future of these land policies comes into question. Will the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) be able to address these historical imbalances, or will Congress defend these transfers when legislation aimed at regulating the Waqf Board comes up in Parliament?

The issue at hand is whether such transfers truly benefit the broader community or merely enrich a select few, leaving the larger Indian Muslim population behind. As this debate continues, one thing remains clear: land, power, and politics are inextricably linked in India's complex political landscape.

Conclusion

In light of all this, many have come to see Congress’s dealings with the Waqf Board as a symbol of political opportunism, prioritizing religious appeasement over genuine development. The sad reality is that only 200 people have benefitted from these massive property transfers. Indian Muslims, despite the Waqf Board’s wealth, remain economically and educationally disadvantaged. The Government of India (GOI) could achieve more by dissolving the Waqf Board and distributing its assets to Indian Muslims, offering a one-time boost that might pave the way for greater equality and development in the future.

Also Read: Reject Waqf Amendment Bill 2024: A Campaign to Defend Allah's Property