New Delhi, April 1 – Delhi BJP MLA Karnail Singh has raised serious concerns over alleged encroachments by mosques built on Delhi Development Authority (DDA) land in his constituency, Shakur Basti. Speaking in the Delhi Assembly, Singh claimed that some religious structures are expanding over time and called for immediate verification of land ownership.
The amendment was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in August 2024. While the JPC adopted its report through a majority vote, all 11 opposition MPs on the panel voiced dissent and submitted formal objections to the proposed changes.
The discussion in the Delhi Assembly and the upcoming parliamentary debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill mark a critical juncture in ongoing debates around land ownership, religious structures, and governance in the national capital.
MLA Urges Notice to Verify Land Ownership
During the Assembly discussion, Singh pointed to a particular case involving a mosque located inside a DDA park in his constituency. He alleged that although the park is under DDA jurisdiction, the mosque structure has been expanding steadily.“In my constituency, there is a DDA park where a mosque is located. But that structure is expanding with time. Whenever DDA officials visit, they are told that the land belongs to the Waqf Board,” Singh said.
“I want to request that a notice be served on such lands to show the papers of ownership; otherwise, such lands will be vacated.”
Allegations of Selective Action Against Religious Structures
The BJP legislator further alleged that over 50 temples were demolished in the past year following directives from AAP leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. He claimed no similar action has been taken against other religious establishments.“In my area, there are four such mosques built on DDA land. I request the minister to direct all relevant departments—whether DDA, PWD, or MCD—to take appropriate action,” Singh added.
Waqf Board Under Scrutiny Amid Upcoming Amendment Bill
Singh’s remarks come at a time when the Waqf Board is under increased scrutiny due to the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, recently approved by the Union Cabinet. The Bill, based on recommendations by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), is expected to be presented in Parliament soon.The amendment was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in August 2024. While the JPC adopted its report through a majority vote, all 11 opposition MPs on the panel voiced dissent and submitted formal objections to the proposed changes.
The discussion in the Delhi Assembly and the upcoming parliamentary debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill mark a critical juncture in ongoing debates around land ownership, religious structures, and governance in the national capital.
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