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As millions of karyakartas across the nation celebrate the 46th foundation day of Bharatiya Janata Party, the overwhelming blessings of the people continue to energize this glorious journey. The BJP has not only become the world’s largest political party but also a torchbearer of democracy which practices internal democracy as one of its core values. While it is committed to the principles of ‘panchnishtha’, it has now also inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who gave the mantra of ‘panch pran’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’. The BJP which has become the party of good governance and development remains dedicated to the philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’ working tirelessly for the upliftment of poorest of the poor in the society. The commitment of its leadership and millions of karyakartas can be seen in the huge transformation that has taken place under BJP governments at the centre and in various states. In the last ten years, the nation has emerged as the global growth engine becoming fifth largest economy of the world. The journey is studded with many record achievements with remarkable accomplishments.
While the members of parliament should be congratulated for passing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with overwhelming majority in both houses of the parliament, it is highly unfortunate to note that the opposition tried to mislead the nation through its divisive politics. The Bill amends the Waqf Act, 1995 to rationalize the extraordinary and arbitrary powers of the Waqf Boards, while improving its administration. The Bill also limits the powers of the Waqf Boards in determining whether a property is a Waqf property, and streamlines the manner of registration of Waqfs. It is to be noted that the earlier Waqf Act was draconian and one-sided, as it enabled the Waqf Boards to unilaterally determine any property, including Hindu property as Waqf property. Moreover, in 2013 and 2014, just before the general elections, the then Congress led UPA Government made two successive efforts to make further malafide amendments to the Act to give unbridled powers and completely exempt it from any oversight. Not only this, in 2014, they tried to introduce the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Bill, which did not provide a fair opportunity of being heard to the alleged “encroachers” and even clandestinely handed over 123 VVIP properties in Lutyens Delhi to the Delhi Waqf Board. The Bill aims to address the long-standing mismanagement of Waqf properties, and seeks to bring much-needed accountability and efficiency to Waqf administration, ensuring that these assets are managed transparently for the benefit of the community rather than being exploited by vested interests. It also safegurads the interests of poor, OBCs and women among the Muslims.
The Congress led opposition will be remembered for creating hurdles in transformative reforms in the country to serve their vested political interests. The opposition on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 should be seen in the context of their appeasement and vote bank politics which compels them to oppose Bill on Triple Talaq and to ensure that justice is not delivered to Muslim women like Shah Bano. As the nation marches towards realizing its dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ under the dynamic and charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the guiding principles of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ will definitely ensure justice for all and appeasement of none.