By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: The beautification drive of Hazratganj area in the heart of the capital city of Uttar Pradesh received a jolt with members of Shia community alleging that their waqf property has been encroached upon by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) during the drive.
Begum Naseema Raza, caretaker of Waqf Rani Saltanat Begum situated adjacent to Sahu cinema in Hazratganj, alleged that her waqf property has been encroached upon by LDA. “The property is registered with the Shia Central Board of Waqfs and the LDA in garb of beautification drive is engaged in encroaching upon the land,” said Begum Raza. Presently a shopping complex is situated on the land. The caretaker has appealed to the Chief Minister Mayawati for restraining the officials from damaging the waqf property.
As per Begum Raza she constructed a complex on the land as per bylaws by civic authorities. “We have left open space in front of our complex for future needs but now it has been grabbed by LDA on Tuesday along with a heavy contingent of police force,” she added.
The members of Shia community have also demanded that the celebrations to mark 200 years of Hazratganj be deferred keeping in view the Muharram which is the month of mourning for Shia Muslims.
Meanwhile, TV artist Sayyed Badrul Hasan alias Pappu Polyster has also opposed the encroachment of the waqf property. He also demanded that the celebrations to mark 200 years of Hazratganj should be deferred due to Muharram which is regarded as month of mourning. “If it is deferred by two months, members of the royal family and Shia Muslims can also be part of the celebrations,” said Polyster.
Surprisingly, both Begum Naseema Raza and Pappu Polyster sensed foul play in the encroaching of the waqf property by the officials. “We will approach the ruling party leaders and city mayor Dr Dinesh Sharma seeking action against such officials who have damaged the waqf property,” said Pappu Polyster.
The administration has launched a beautification drive in Hazratganj to commemorate its 200 years of existence. Many ambitious projects including laid pathways, green cover, Victorian style benches and lamp posts besides giving uniformity in the buildings is going on war scale. The project is regarded as a top priority by CM Mayawati.