Amid MCD’s demolition blitz, Congress firebrand Imran Masood has fired a salvo: ‘Mosques predating the Waqf Act—illegal? Absurd!’ His outburst captures escalating friction over Delhi’s skyline and sacred spaces.
The corporation’s campaign aims to reclaim public land, but critics like Masood decry it as heavy-handed. Recent teardowns included revered mosques, prompting cries of injustice from Muslim groups and allies.
Masood unpacked the law: The 1995 Waqf Act doesn’t retroactively deem older builds unlawful. ‘These structures have waqf deeds from centuries ago,’ he asserted, urging respect for documented history over bureaucratic fiat.
Flashpoints abound—protests turned chaotic, police deployed. Politically, it’s a powder keg: AAP faces backlash, BJP watches keenly. Masood positioned it as minority rights erosion, linking to national narratives.
Experts advocate tech-driven surveys using GIS for verification, avoiding blind destruction. Waqf Board’s data shows 80% of disputed sites as genuine. Courts, wary of precedents, often reinstate with compensation.
As Delhi grapples with overpopulation and heritage, Masood’s query resonates. It calls for policy recalibration—balancing development with dignity. With elections looming, this row could reshape alliances. MCD’s next moves under spotlight.