The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh is facing opposition from within its own ranks and allies over the controversial Nazul Land Bill. The bill, which aims to reclaim Nazul land from occupants, has been sent to a Select Committee by state president Bhupendra Yadav amid growing dissent.
Nazul land refers to properties confiscated by the British government from those who opposed their rule. Over time, the original owners relocated, and the land was leased to others on a long-term basis. The bill proposes to terminate these tenancies and return any payments made by occupants with interest, while transferring ownership to the government for development purposes.
Anupriya Patel, a key NDA ally and Apna Dal leader, was the first to oppose the bill, calling it anti-poor. BJP MLAs Siddhnath Singh and Harshvardhan Vajpayee have also voiced their dissent, citing the significant impact on Prayagraj, where a large amount of Nazul land is located.
Pratapgarh MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh has strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it would lead to the removal of institutions like the Allahabad High Court, which is built on Nazul land. Although the government has clarified that courts and educational institutions are exempt from the bill, the issue remains contentious.
The involvement of state president Bhupendra Chaudhary has escalated the issue, highlighting the internal rift within the party. As the bill’s fate hangs in the balance, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of its own members and allies.