TMC WB Minister claims Entire South Kolkata belongs to WAQF
A recent statement from a trinamool congress (TMC) West bengal minister has sparked significant debate, particularly as it touches on the issue of WAQF's land ownership in prominent areas of Kolkata, including South Kolkata, raj Bhawan, and Dharmatala (Esplanade). WAQF, an Islamic charitable endowment established by Muslim communities, manages land and other assets for religious or charitable purposes, with designated trustees overseeing these properties for the community's welfare.
The minister’s claim has drawn attention due to the vast influence and importance of the mentioned areas, which include South Kolkata’s residential neighborhoods, raj Bhawan as the governor's residence, and Dharmatala, a major commercial and transportation hub. Given the historical, political, and economic relevance of these areas, the claim has generated questions about the ownership, control, and purpose of WAQF properties in such high-profile locations.
The assertion has ignited a range of responses from various political groups and local communities. The WAQF’s management of lands and properties is often seen as a protective mechanism to safeguard community assets, yet there is also concern over the transparency and governance of WAQF boards in different parts of India. The TMC minister’s claim places renewed scrutiny on the role and extent of WAQF properties in Kolkata, raising questions on their allocation, usage, and management, particularly in historically significant and commercially valuable zones.
Opposition groups have voiced concerns, arguing that such claims about WAQF control over iconic locations could open the door to political manipulation, potentially sidelining public and government interests in these spaces. Others argue that this oversight on WAQF property is necessary to ensure fair and lawful use of community resources in prominent, secular areas of the city.
The minister’s claim has drawn attention due to the vast influence and importance of the mentioned areas, which include South Kolkata’s residential neighborhoods, raj Bhawan as the governor's residence, and Dharmatala, a major commercial and transportation hub. Given the historical, political, and economic relevance of these areas, the claim has generated questions about the ownership, control, and purpose of WAQF properties in such high-profile locations.
The assertion has ignited a range of responses from various political groups and local communities. The WAQF’s management of lands and properties is often seen as a protective mechanism to safeguard community assets, yet there is also concern over the transparency and governance of WAQF boards in different parts of India. The TMC minister’s claim places renewed scrutiny on the role and extent of WAQF properties in Kolkata, raising questions on their allocation, usage, and management, particularly in historically significant and commercially valuable zones.
Opposition groups have voiced concerns, arguing that such claims about WAQF control over iconic locations could open the door to political manipulation, potentially sidelining public and government interests in these spaces. Others argue that this oversight on WAQF property is necessary to ensure fair and lawful use of community resources in prominent, secular areas of the city.