Nagpur, April 4 -- Juna Akhara's Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj on Friday backed the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it a long-awaited reform welcomed by the nation.

He added that land encroachments will no longer be allowed, emphasising that India belongs to figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and Tirthankars, not invaders.

Speaking to ANI, Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara said, "It was needed for a long time, and the people from the Muslim community were demanding it. For those who had no means, their lands were encroached upon, and they had nowhere to appeal but only in the Waqf board. The entire country is welcoming it. Muslim clerics, who are my friends, are also welcoming it..."

"There mig...