Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin | File pic (Picture Credit: Free Press Journal)
In a recent development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed his endorsement of the Congress’s 2024 election manifesto, citing its alignment with the principles of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). During an election campaign, PM Modi’s remarks on Congress’s poll promises, particularly regarding the inheritance of properties and redistribution to minorities, sparked heated debate across the country. However, Stalin’s endorsement of the Congress manifesto signals a convergence of principles between the two parties.
Speaking at the Social Justice Conference organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation in New Delhi, CM Stalin highlighted the resonance between the Congress manifesto and DMK’s core principles. He emphasised the importance of the forthcoming government fulfilling its pledges to uplift OBCs and SC/STs, echoing the longstanding commitment of the DMK to social justice.
Stalin underscored Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in championing social justice within India, tracing the legacy of the Justice Party government dating back to 1921. He noted the introduction of reservations for the underprivileged and highlighted the resolute protests by the Dravidian movement, which catalysed the first amendment of the Constitution, solidifying affirmative action.
Furthermore, Stalin pointed out Tamil Nadu’s progressive stance on reservations, with a 69 per cent reservation for OBCs and SC/STs, surpassing the arbitrary 50 per cent limit. He highlighted recent strides, including a groundbreaking 7.5 per cent reservation in professional courses for students from government schools, alongside full financial support for those admitted under this quota. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Assembly recently passed a resolution urging the Union government to extend reservations to Scheduled Caste members who have converted to Christianity.
In an undated video, a Muslim (clergy) man speaks saying “ everyone in Bharat believes that Indian has the largest number of waqf properties. After bharat , Turkey stands at second position. But it is far behind bharat in this matter”.
He said “ Bharat stands at number one worldwide. The main hubs for waqf in the world are Bharat, Pakistan, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Mecca, and Madina. These are considered the main hubs. Among these Bharat stands at first position where Waqf owns the largest number of properties. The Sachar committee report mentions an estimation of waqf properties is 60 lakh acres or 6 million acres. It means 24,280 sqare km is owned by Waqf Bharat. How large is 24,280 sq km? You can get an idea of this by comparing it to Kerala which is stretched over 38,863 sq.km. ie 60 lakh acres and 24,280 sq km, of course many properties are no longer there; the records, which were available during the Sachar Committee period. The estimation is done on the basis of that. So the area of Kerala is 38,863 sq.km, Punja is 50,000 sq.km. almost half of Punjab. So equivalent to half of Punjab’s area is Waqf property. It is so large that it can form a whole state. And it is said that in Bharat Indian armed forces hold the most land; and then comes Indian railways at number 2. Waqf comes at third place. As per the number of properties and the market value of this, it is said to be at Rs 2 lakh crores. Yes it is Rs 2 lakh crores. And Rs 20,000 crore per annum is the revenue that can be generated through this. Rs 20,000 crore per annum. Some states even don’t have this kind of budget in Bharat. State budget of many small states don’t have a budget of Rs 20,000 crore. Bharat has some states with a budget of Rs 5,000 crore too. So you can generate a revenue of Rs 20,000 crores annually. But at the moment, the revenue that is being generated is only Rs. 163 crores. Compare Rs.20,000 and Rs 163 crore”.
A recent debate has emerged over the redistribution of Waqf properties, with questions raised about their utilization for social welfare purposes. Advocates of redistribution argue that if funds from temples and religious institutions can be used for the social welfare of all, why not Waqf properties?
Critics point out that while the Congress and other political parties advocate for the redistribution of wealth, they have overlooked the issue of Waqf properties. These properties, managed by the Waqf board, are claimed to be exempt from redistribution efforts, despite their significant value.
A post by Nettizen Sandeep Kkreti highlights the power of the Waqf board to claim land and property at their discretion, citing instances where even Hindu temples have been claimed by Waqf boards. The post criticizes the Congress for granting the Waqf board extra-judiciary powers, suggesting that if wealth redistribution is a genuine aim, the Congress should reclaim the land and property gifted to the Waqf in an act of appeasement.
Another post by Raghul Gupta raises questions about the transfer of valuable properties to the Waqf board, particularly during the tenure of the Manmohan Singh-led government. Gupta alleges that these transfers occurred without proper consultation or authorization, calling for the termination of the Waqf board and the retrieval of all properties transferred to its name.
The debate underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, as well as a broader discussion on the equitable redistribution of wealth in society. As political parties vie for votes, citizens are urged to question their leaders on their stance regarding the redistribution of Waqf properties and other pertinent issues.
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