In a fiery rebuttal to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) recent demolition drive targeting alleged illegal structures, Congress leader Imran Masood has questioned the very basis of such actions. ‘How can a mosque built before the Waqf Act be deemed illegal?’ Masood asked, igniting a fresh debate on religious property rights and urban governance in the national capital.
The controversy erupted after MCD bulldozers razed several structures, including places of worship, in a crackdown on encroachments. Masood, a prominent voice from Uttar Pradesh now vocal in Delhi politics, accused the authorities of selective vigilantism. He argued that historical mosques, predating the 1995 Waqf Act, hold unquestionable legitimacy under existing laws.
‘Delhi’s landscape is dotted with centuries-old mosques that have stood the test of time. Dismantling them under the guise of illegality is not just shortsighted but a direct assault on our cultural heritage,’ Masood thundered during a press conference. Supporters rallied behind him, pointing to similar cases where pre-independence structures faced the wrecking ball despite legal protections.
Legal experts weighed in, noting that while the Waqf Act governs post-1995 properties, older constructions fall under customary laws and historical precedents. The Delhi Waqf Board has already filed objections, demanding a stay on further demolitions until a thorough survey is conducted.
This isn’t the first time MCD’s aggressive stance has sparked outrage. Past operations in Jama Masjid areas and Old Delhi have led to protests and court interventions. Masood’s intervention adds a political layer, with opposition parties accusing the AAP-led MCD of bowing to BJP pressures ahead of elections.
As tensions simmer, residents fear more clashes. Community leaders call for dialogue over demolition, urging a balanced approach that respects both urban planning needs and religious sentiments. Masood concluded, ‘Law must protect the faithful, not persecute them.’ The coming days will test Delhi’s administrative resolve.