As communal tensions flare for the fourth consecutive day in Bengal’s Murshidabad district, Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Union Joint General Secretary Dr Surendra Jain has issued a stern warning against what he describes as a “conspiracy to ignite nationwide riots” over the contentious Waqf Act.
Dr Jain alleged that the ongoing violence is part of a larger strategy orchestrated by what he termed the “secular jihadist alliance” aiming to push the country into turmoil under the garb of opposition to the Waqf law. He reminded that prior to the enactment of the legislation, over one crore Indians had expressed their opinion, and more than 25 hours of intense parliamentary debate took place in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
He criticised those claiming to uphold the Constitution, stating that they should have awaited the Supreme Court’s verdict on the matter, rather than inciting violence. “More than 18 petitions have been filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court challenging the law. Those who claim to champion the Constitution have little respect for either the judiciary or the foundational values of the nation,” he said.
The VHP leader strongly condemned what he described as a nexus between the land mafia operating under the guise of the Waqf Board and the so-called “secular mafia,” accusing them of fuelling unrest for personal and political gains. “The land mafia is anxious about the loss of encroached properties, while the secular mafia fears losing their manufactured monopoly over Muslim votes,” Dr Jain stated.
Citing past incidents, he recalled how in 2013, land in Gurugram’s Palam Vihar park was suddenly declared Waqf property and attempts were made to hold mass prayers without any proof. “The then Congress-led state government nodded in approval despite zero evidence,” he said, also pointing to the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government’s alleged gifting of 123 prime government properties in Delhi to the Waqf Board during the 2014 election announcement period.
“These sinister plans were thwarted due to the persistent efforts of vigilant Hindu society, a conscious judiciary, and proactive Hindu organisations,” said Dr Jain. However, he warned that following the 2013 amendments to the Waqf Act, there has been a spike in Waqf claims across India. “It almost felt like the entire country was being declared Waqf property and handed over to a few clerics,” he added.
Emphasising that citizens have every right to protest, he firmly stated that violence in the name of opposition is unacceptable. Drawing a historical parallel, he accused the same alliance of pushing India towards Partition and later enacting laws against Supreme Court verdicts, such as in the Shah Bano case. “But today, the country is not in a position to be held hostage again,” he warned.
Dr Jain concluded by asserting that a large section of the Muslim community is now aware of the true faces of leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi, Rahul Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav. “The people of India understand both the essence of the Waqf law and the vested interests of those opposing it. This unholy alliance must stay away from riots and rioters under the pretext of protest,” he said.
