‘Baking their own bread’: Dr Andrabi slams politicians criticising Wafq Act

Anantnag, Apr 17: Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi on Thursday said politicians are “baking their own bread” as they are not fulfilling their responsibilities. She assured that Waqf properties are in safe hands and that the board has successfully retrieved encroached land over the past three years.
She made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Anantnag, where the BJP celebrated the contribution of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, with Andrabi attending as the chief guest.
Referring to the Constitution, she said, “The father of the Constitution, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, gave us the principles and rules that guide our country. Through this Constitution, we talk about equality. Hindus and Muslims have come together like a garland of pearls. Our Constitution moves us forward in every matter.”
Andrabi added, “Earlier, political parties tried to reduce Babasaheb’s legacy to caste politics. But since 2014, people have truly recognised the importance of the Constitution he gave us. Today, children, students, and common people understand what Babasaheb has contributed to this country.”
When asked about widespread criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Kashmir, the BJP leader said, “We must first ask, who is criticising it? These politicians are baking their own bread because they are not doing the work. But if you look at the common people who offer five daily prayers in mosques or visit dargahs, they are satisfied.”
She added, “The Waqf properties are in safe hands. No one needs to worry. Over the past three years, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has been recognised even in the Parliament for its work. We have successfully retrieved land belonging to Waqf, and today, the J&K Waqf is standing strong.”
Darakhshan said common people are satisfied with the work of the Waqf Board. That’s why they are not paying attention to those trying to serve their own interests, she said.
On the Supreme Court asking the government to respond on matters related to Waqf, she said, “The scope of the Supreme Court’s power is vast. It wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on a matter that is sub judice until a decision is made,” she added.