Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur

Jaipur, Apr 16: Rajasthan BJP in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal on Wednesday accused the Congress party of exploiting the Muslim community as a vote bank, contrasting it with the BJP’s efforts to uplift Muslims with dignity.

Speaking at a press conference, Agarwal highlighted the increase in Muslim representation in central government jobs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming it rose from 5% to 9.5% over 11 years of BJP governance. "Congress treated Muslims as second-class citizens, while BJP seeks to ensure they live with pride and self-respect as Indians," he said.

Agarwal went on to criticize the Congress era, alleging that Muslims were often relegated to low-paying jobs such as cobblers, tailors, and band players. He praised the BJP for prioritizing the poor, regardless of their caste or religion, under programs like PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana, which have benefited the Muslim community substantially.

He also questioned the management of Waqf properties, claiming that misuse and misappropriation have been rampant. According to Agarwal, Waqf properties meant for Muslim welfare have been misused by vested interests, including Congress leaders. He cited the Sachar Committee report of 2006, which revealed that Waqf properties could have generated significant income but were yielding far less.

In Karnataka, Agarwal noted, 29,000 Waqf properties had been encroached or misused. He accused several Congress leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge and CK Jaffer Sharif of being involved in illegal occupation. Agarwal also referenced an incident in Jaipur, where Fazlu Rehman allegedly sold Waqf land for unauthorized colonies.

Agarwal emphasized that if the Waqf reforms are implemented effectively, it could significantly improve the lives of Muslims by providing better access to education, healthcare, and employment. He urged BJP workers to counter opposition narratives with facts, highlighting the benefits of the new law for the Muslim community.

Responding to objections from former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on the Waqf Act, Agarwal stressed that the aim of the reforms was to end the misuse of Waqf lands, allowing for the development of hospitals, schools, and other facilities to improve the lives of poor Muslims. He concluded, "If 20% of Muslims stay poor, how can India become 'developed' by 2047?"