Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 6: BJP President JP Nadda, addressing an event at the party headquarters marking the 45th Foundation Day, clarified that the central government's objective regarding Waqf Boards is to ensure adherence to legal frameworks, not to exert control. He emphasized that the government aims to facilitate the utilization of Waqf assets for the betterment of the Muslim community through education, healthcare, and employment initiatives.
Nadda drew attention to the practices in Turkey and other Muslim-majority nations, where Waqf properties are under state control. "We are simply asking Waqf Board operators to function in accordance with established rules," he stated. "We do not desire to control the Waqf Board. Our focus is on ensuring that management operates within legal boundaries and adheres to established guidelines. Waqf Board resources should be dedicated to enhancing education, healthcare, and employment for the Muslim community."
Prior to his address, Nadda hoisted the BJP flag at the headquarters, joined by party leaders including MPs and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Reflecting on the BJP's journey from its origins as the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, Nadda credited its ascent to becoming the world's largest political party and its electoral successes across states to its unwavering commitment to its ideological foundation. He contrasted this with the Congress's perceived "ideological dilution," which he argued led to its decline.
He acknowledged the contributions of BJP stalwarts such as Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and LK Advani in the party's growth. "Today, we have 240 Lok Sabha members, 98 Rajya Sabha members, and over 1,600 MLAs nationwide. Our membership has surpassed 13.5 crore, and we have over 10 lakh active party workers," Nadda stated, highlighting the BJP's "scientific growth."
"Expanding the organization and winning elections is both an art and a science," he noted. "Despite our opponents' criticisms in Parliament, they acknowledge our status as the world's largest party." Nadda emphasized the BJP's prioritization of national interests and its commitment to promoting India's traditions, culture, and history, citing the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as a key achievement.
He criticized the Congress's handling of the Shah Bano case under then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, accusing the party of "bowing" to pressure from certain Muslim community segments. "Despite the Supreme Court's call for the emancipation of Muslim women, no one dared to take decisive action," he said, crediting the Modi government with abolishing triple talaq.
Nadda also highlighted the government's decision to grant citizenship to individuals facing "religious persecution" in Pakistan and its efforts to shed "colonial mindsets," citing the renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path, the installation of a Subhash Chandra Bose statue, and the revocation of Article 370.
He asserted the BJP's adherence to the "ideological foundation" laid by B.R. Ambedkar, while accusing the Congress of attempting to undermine the Constitution's "soul." He urged party members to engage with the public during Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14-25) and expose the Congress's alleged attempts to subvert the Constitution's "fundamental spirit."
Nadda also called on party members to dedicate a day to grassroots outreach and connect with veteran party workers, including those associated with the Jan Sangh. He later visited 98-year-old Shakuntala Arya, a former Delhi Mayor and veteran BJP worker.
The BJP Foundation Day was observed across several states, including Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.