`Earlier SP, BSP regimes sold prime Waqf properties`

Azam Khan alleged almost 90pc prime properties of Waqf Board have been "sold to builders by previous BSP and SP governments".

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan on Monday alleged almost 90 per cent prime properties of the Waqf Board have been "sold to builders by previous BSP and SP governments" and vowed to bring a legislation to restore them back to the board.

Presenting the budget of Mulsim welfare in the Vidhan Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs minister Khan said in the previous five years of BSP government and "also during the earlier government led by the Samajwadi Party" prime properties were sold to builders.

Earlier also, Azam had warned land sharks occupying Waqf properties, saying that the lands would be seized.

Now the government would bring a law to restore them back to the Waqf Board, he said, adding that "we came to know of these deals during the then SP government."

The massive buildings built over them would also become a part of the Waqf, said Azam.

Claiming that there was a need to ensure uplift of one-fifth of the population-- minorities, Khan said SP government was the first in the country which has implemented the "basic ethos of the Sachchar commission."

There has been a rise of 81.37 per cent in the budget of the minority development, he said.

Khan, who is also the minority welfare minister, alleged that BSP government under a conspiracy did not act to ensure education for the minorities.

Mayawati government kept the file of Rs 90 crores central funds, meant for minorities, so that its next instalments could not be provided to the state, alleged Azam.

Later the house passed the budget worth Rs 1673.82 crores by a voice vote.

PTI

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