by Ashis Sinha
JNS: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to the Waqf Board, declaring that any attempt to claim land linked to the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj would lead to “denting and painting,” signaling punitive action. His comments came during an event organized by Aaj Tak, just days after a cleric raised concerns about the land’s ownership.
The controversy ignited when Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamat, claimed that 55 bighas of Waqf land in Prayagraj were being used for the Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to begin on January 13. Barelvi argued that the land was owned by the Waqf Board and praised local Muslims for their generosity in allowing its use for the event. He also called on Hindus to reciprocate by allowing Muslims to participate in the religious gathering.
In response, Chief Minister Adityanath clarified that individuals who respect India and its culture are welcome to join the festivities, but cautioned against any ulterior motives. “Those who respect Indian traditions are welcome,” he remarked. “Many people, whose ancestors were once converted to Islam under pressure, still take pride in Indian traditions. If they come to participate in the religious rites and take a dip in the Ganga, there is no problem. But anyone attempting to claim the land will face denting-painting,” he said.
Adityanath emphasized that there would be no discrimination at the Maha Kumbh, a major religious gathering that attracts millions of devotees from around the world every 12 years. He reiterated that people of all backgrounds, including those of different faiths, would be welcomed, provided they respected the country’s cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister also took a firm stance against the Waqf Board, labeling it as a “board of land mafias” rather than a legitimate body. He highlighted the government’s efforts to recover land that had been seized under the guise of Waqf ownership. “The Kumbh Mela has been a symbol of India’s heritage for thousands of years, and it will continue to be celebrated here. Wherever the word ‘waqf’ appears, investigations will be conducted to identify the rightful owners of the land,” he declared.
His remarks came in the wake of recent amendments to the Waqf Bill, which seek to streamline the registration process of Waqf properties and ensure transparency.
Addressing concerns over voter polarisation, particularly related to his controversial “batenge toh katenge” slogan during the Maharashtra elections, Adityanath rejected accusations of dividing communities. “There is no such thing as Hindu polarisation; it’s about India’s history,” he stated, urging critics to look at the past to understand the consequences of division. “If we learn from our mistakes, we will avoid the chains of slavery and protect our future,” he added.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela draws near, Adityanath’s statements have further fueled the debate over land ownership and the role of the Waqf Board in the region.
