BJP government's actions spark concerns over Muslim endowments

In January 2025, authorities in Ujjain, India, bulldozed nearly 250 properties, including a mosque, to clear land for a Hindu temple project. This land belonged to the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, which manages Muslim endowments for charitable purposes. Critics say this land acquisition reflects a troubling trend, with experts warning it represents a broader issue of land dispossession facing the Muslim community. The Ujjain land was part of a $1 billion project around the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Documented evidence indicates that the area was historically a Muslim graveyard, and its demolition has raised concerns over legal compliance and respect for cultural heritage. The local BJP government oversees the majority Muslim state's administration, and their actions have been viewed as part of a strategy to favor Hindu religious sites. The Indian parliament is discussing amendments to the Waqf Act, which could grant the government more control over waqf properties. Many Muslim organizations argue that this would marginalize their community further. Activists point to ongoing issues like mismanagement and encroachments affecting waqf properties, emphasizing that the proposed changes could worsen these problems. Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Sanawar Patel has stated that most waqf properties in the state are either encroached upon or under litigation. Critics accuse the government of ignoring long-standing requests for updates to land records that recognize waqf ownership. They argue this neglect facilitates illegal occupation and conversion of waqf lands. Despite some measures to address these issues, activists say corruption remains widespread. A pattern of politicians and officials illegally benefiting from waqf properties has emerged, undermining trust in the system. As valuable land increases in demand, fears grow that the government seeks to exploit these assets under the new amendments. The push for greater government control has led to concerns within the Muslim community about their historical and religious sites. Community leaders are calling for renewed attention to protect waqf properties from further encroachment and misuse.