Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh Government has taken a decisive step in reclaiming illegally declared Waqf properties. Following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill, the government has initiated a large-scale crackdown on properties that were unlawfully registered under the Waqf Board. The administration has deemed several ponds, pools, barns, and village society lands as illegally classified Waqf properties and has ordered their confiscation.
Officials assert that government land, village society land, and public properties cannot be classified as Waqf under any circumstances. Only those properties that have been explicitly donated by individuals will be recognized as Waqf. With this directive in place, all District Magistrates have been instructed to identify and investigate such properties that lack official revenue records but have been claimed by the Waqf Board. Once identified, these properties will be confiscated and restored to government records.
According to the Revenue Department, a significant disparity exists between officially registered Waqf properties and those claimed by the Waqf Board. As per official records, the Sunni Waqf Board has only 2,533 registered properties, while the Shia Waqf Board has 430. However, the Waqf Board claims to have control over a much larger number of properties, with the Sunni Waqf Board listing 1,24,355 properties and the Shia Waqf Board claiming 7,785.
Reports suggest that in many districts, land classified as public property – including ponds, pastures, barns, and village commons was unlawfully declared as Waqf and occupied. The Yogi government has vowed to return such land to public ownership after thorough investigation. Moreover, legal action will be initiated against those responsible for such illegal declarations, ensuring accountability.
CM Yogi’s Strong Remarks in Prayagraj
CM Yogi Adityanath reiterated his strong stance on the issue while addressing a gathering at Nishad Raja Guhya’s birth anniversary celebrations in Prayagraj. He criticized the Waqf Board for its “arbitrary claims” on public and historical land, emphasizing that such encroachments would no longer be tolerated.
Referring to the Kumbh Mela preparations, CM Yogi revealed that the Waqf Board had falsely claimed ownership over the event’s land. We were compelled to ask – has the Waqf Board started operating like a land mafia?” he remarked. He assured the public that these illegal occupations have been removed and that land mafias have been eradicated from Uttar Pradesh.
He also highlighted instances where religious and cultural heritage sites were targeted under false claims of Waqf ownership. According to CM Yogi, such attempts were not only illegal but also an attack on the historical and religious integrity of the state. He reaffirmed that under his administration, illegal land acquisitions would be reversed, and rightful ownership would be restored.
CM Yogi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for taking legislative action against the alleged irregularities within the Waqf Board. He confirmed that a significant bill addressing these concerns has been passed in the Lok Sabha and is awaiting approval in the Rajya Sabha. He stressed that national interest must come first and assured that no illegal claims would be entertained under his government.
The Yogi government is also considering forming a special task force to monitor Waqf property claims and prevent unauthorised acquisitions in the future. This task force will work closely with the Revenue and Home Departments to ensure legal compliance and prevent fraudulent land claims.
“Those who are loyal to the nation will always find their way,” CM Yogi remarked, reaffirming his government’s commitment to upholding the law and preventing unlawful land grabs.
