Yogi Adityanath Hits Back At 'Maha Kumbh Being Held On Waqf Land' Claim With Stern 'Denting-Painting' Warning

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to the Waqf board, stating that those coming to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with intentions of claiming land would face "denting-painting," a metaphor for punitive action.

The Chief Minister's remark, delivered during an event organised by Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, came days after a Muslim cleric claimed that the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was being held on waqf land.

Addressing the participation of Muslims in the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath stated that individuals who respect India and its cultural heritage were welcome in Prayagraj.

He cautioned, however, that those arriving with ill intentions would face action.

"Anyone who respects Indian traditions is welcome. Many people had ancestors who converted to Islam under pressure in the past, yet they still take pride in Indian traditions. If such people, following traditions, come to take a dip in the Ganga, there is no problem. But if someone comes with the intention of claiming the land, they might face denting-painting," the UP Chief Minister said.

However, he assured that there would be "no discrimination of any kind," as millions of devotees from across India are set to participate in the Maha Kumbh, which happens after a gap of 12 years.

Launching a fierce attack on the Waqf board, Adityanath said that the Uttar Pradesh government would recover all land acquired under the guise of waqf.

"The Kumbh has been a symbol of India's heritage for thousands of years and has always taken place here. It is not the Waqf Board but a board of land mafias," the Chief Minister said.

He also said amendments had been made to the law and the state was investigating all such "occupied" land.

"Wherever the word 'waqf appears, it will be investigated to see in whose name the land was originally registered, and efforts will be made to return it to its rightful owners," Adityanath said.

The sharp remarks by the UP Chief Minister come at a time when a Parliamentary panel is discussing the amendments to the Waqf Bill, which was tabled by the Centre last year.

The bill aims to streamline the manner of registration of waqf properties.

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