Prime Minister Clarifies the Intent Behind Waqf Amendments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come out strongly in defense of the recent amendments to the Waqf law, stating that the move was not politically motivated but stemmed from over 1,700 complaints received from within the Muslim community. According to Modi, these complaints pointed to repeated misuse and mismanagement of Waqf properties, often at the expense of common Muslims themselves.
During a public address, Modi clarified that the law was not about targeting any religion but about protecting citizens — including Muslims — from arbitrary claims over land and properties in the name of Waqf. “The government received more than 1,700 complaints from Muslims. It is our responsibility to respond when people from the same community are demanding action,” he said.
Rising Backlash Over the Law and Government’s Response
The amendment to the Waqf law has ignited a political firestorm in several parts of the country. Violent protests have broken out in West Bengal, and concerns have been raised in Maharashtra and other states where the Waqf Board holds significant sway. Opposition parties and religious groups have accused the government of curbing minority rights and attempting to interfere in religious institutions.
Modi, however, pushed back against these claims, asserting that the law ensures no property can be declared Waqf without prior notice and verification. “This law ensures justice for everyone. No one’s property — not even a Muslim’s — should be declared Waqf without their knowledge,” he said, turning the spotlight on the internal flaws in the Waqf property claim process that the law seeks to fix.
What the Waqf Amendment Bill Actually Changes
The amended law mandates that no property can be unilaterally declared as Waqf. It introduces a system of mandatory public notice, giving affected individuals the chance to contest claims. It also increases central oversight of Waqf Board appointments and aims to bring in transparency and accountability in how Waqf properties are managed.
Critics, however, remain unconvinced and have vowed to challenge the legislation. Legal petitions are already being filed, and the matter is under judicial review. But the Prime Minister’s strong remarks appear aimed at shaping public opinion, especially among moderate Muslims and legal reform advocates.
Framing It as Reform, Not Repression
Modi’s message was clear: the Waqf law is not an attack on minorities but a reform in response to their own complaints. By placing Muslim voices at the center of the narrative, the government hopes to shift the focus away from protests and towards the problems that have long plagued Waqf property management.
As the political temperature rises and the courts take up the matter, the Waqf law remains a flashpoint that reflects the broader struggle over land, identity, and governance in India.
