Waqf Land Controversy in Hyderabad

Waqf Land in Hyderabad Given to Multinationals, Says Akbaruddin Owaisi

Hyderabad: In a contentious revelation, All India Majlis e Ittehad ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) floor leader and Chandrayangutta MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi has accused the former Congress government in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh of handing over significant portions of Waqf Board property in Hyderabad to multinational companies. Speaking in the Telangana Assembly on Friday, Owaisi alleged that over 1,600 acres of land belonging to the Dargah Hzt Hussain Shah Wali was transferred to the state for IT development, but instead, it was given to companies such as Lanco, Wipro, Microsoft, and the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Gachibowli.

According to Owaisi, this land transfer occurred during the Congress regime, ostensibly to promote the development of IT parks. However, he contended that no IT park was developed on this land. Instead, Lanco developed residential apartments on the allotted land, deviating from the intended purpose of fostering technological growth. Owaisi criticized this misuse of Waqf property, emphasizing the loss of valuable land that should have been used for community benefit.

The issue was initially contested in the then Andhra Pradesh High Court, where the Waqf Board won the case. However, when the matter escalated to the Supreme Court, the Waqf Board faced significant challenges. Owaisi claimed that the legal battle was hampered by the negligence of the Waqf Board and pressure from the Congress government, which did not support the Waqf Board’s claim. As a result, the Waqf Board lost the case in the Supreme Court.

“Due to the negligence of the Waqf Board and pressure from the Congress government not admitting to the claim, we lost the case,” said Akbaruddin Owaisi. He expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting the impact of these actions on the Waqf community and their properties.

The controversy surrounding the misuse of Waqf land has been a longstanding issue in Hyderabad. The Waqf Board, responsible for managing properties donated for religious and charitable purposes, has often struggled with illegal encroachments and unauthorized transfers. The alleged transfer of over 1,600 acres of Waqf land to multinational companies is one of the most significant examples of these challenges.

Owaisi’s allegations bring attention to the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties. He called for stricter regulations to protect Waqf lands from being misappropriated and urged the government to support the Waqf Board in reclaiming lost properties.

The accusations against the former Congress government also raise questions about the role of political pressure and influence in the handling of Waqf properties. Owaisi suggested that the legal challenges faced by the Waqf Board in the Supreme Court were exacerbated by political interference, which undermined the Board’s efforts to reclaim its land.

The broader implications of this controversy extend beyond the specific case of the Dargah Hzt Hussain Shah Wali land. It highlights the ongoing struggle of the Waqf Board to protect its properties and ensure they are used for their intended purposes. The loss of valuable land to commercial development not only deprives the community of important resources but also undermines the integrity of the Waqf system.

In response to Owaisi’s allegations, there have been calls for a thorough investigation into the transfer of Waqf land and the actions of the former Congress government. Ensuring justice and accountability in this matter is seen as crucial for restoring trust in the management of Waqf properties.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address the issues raised by Akbaruddin Owaisi. The need for effective governance and protection of Waqf properties is more pressing than ever, and the outcome of this case could set important precedents for the future management of Waqf assets in Hyderabad and beyond.

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