BJP Criticizes Congress for Not Forming Waqf Board in Himachal Pradesh

Bilal Ahmad Shah, the president of the BJP state minority cell, said on Wednesday that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has not set up a Waqf Board or a Haj committee in the last two and a half years. The Congress is against the new Waqf (Amendment) Bill, saying it harms the Constitution’s foundations. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced this bill to the Lok Sabha for discussion.

Shah, who used to work on the Waqf Board when the BJP was in power, praised the bill’s introduction. He pointed out that without a Waqf Board, rent issues are stuck, causing problems for people. He noted that the previous BJP government set up the Waqf Board just one month after taking charge.

Shah explained that the Waqf Board owns many properties across the country, but many Muslims still live in poverty because the benefits often go to a few people. He believes the Waqf Board should pay for electricity and water at mosques but only pays the salaries of Imams. Local committees cover other costs, and there is no clear record of Waqf Board income.

The new bill states that trusts created by Muslims will no longer be considered Waqf, giving full control to families over their trusts. It also suggests that a senior official will check if government-owned properties are actually Waqf. In case of disagreements, this official will have the final say, replacing the current system where Waqf tribunals handle these issues.