Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) considers the current Waqf Board a significant hindrance to the country’s development. The Manch asserts that amending the Waqf Board rules is crucial. According to the National Convenor Board, the Waqf Board is plagued by corruption, extortion, and mafia-like rule. Despite the wealth controlled by the Waqf Board, common Muslims remain impoverished while the board’s representatives amass fortunes. These points were discussed at a meeting of the National Convenor Board at the Manch’s office in Motia Khan, New Delhi, on Wednesday.
Shahid Sayeed, speaking on behalf of the National Convenor Board, highlighted that common Muslims, especially poor women and children of divorced women, have long questioned the government’s inaction on amending the Waqf Board Act. Currently, only powerful infiltrators dominate the Waqf, excluding the common Muslims. The proposed amendments aim to increase inclusiveness and ensure the representation of women in the Central Waqf Council and state boards.
Sayeed criticized members of the India Alliance, including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Tejashwi Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, and Asaduddin Owaisi, accusing them of protecting the Waqf Board for vote bank politics. He urged the government to enact strict laws against the Waqf Board and create concrete plans for the upliftment of Muslims. This, he argued, would improve the living standards of Indian Muslims and contribute to the country’s overall development.
Mohammad Afzal noted that many Muslims across the country are united against the Waqf Board’s operations and have sent numerous complaints to the Central Government. Members of the National Coordinator Board, including Mohammad Afzal, Shahid Akhtar, Majid Talikoti, Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, and others, unanimously called for reforms in the Waqf Board.
Professor Shahid Akhtar, National Convener, emphasized the numerous questions Muslims have regarding the Waqf Board’s responsibilities. He challenged the board to provide records of its contributions to Muslim welfare, such as the number of hospitals, medical colleges, engineering colleges, management and research institutes, higher education hubs, nursing colleges, skill development centers, animal husbandry institutes, rest houses, and food distribution centers it has established.
Dr. Shalini Ali, National Convenor, questioned whether the Waqf Board has ever taken initiatives to promote harmony and brotherhood in the country. She criticized the lack of transparency in the Waqf Board’s revenue and its failure to use these funds for Muslim and national betterment. Ali also highlighted the wealth and properties amassed by Waqf Board members and their families, both domestically and abroad, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform.
The MRM called on Muslim religious and political leaders to openly address the issues and corruption within the Waqf Board instead of provoking the Muslim community. They noted that the central government, with its strong commitment to social reform and national interest, is prepared to implement significant reforms in the Muslim community, similar to the law on triple talaq following the Supreme Court’s order.
The Manch urged the government to move forward with these necessary reforms to ensure the welfare and progress of Muslims and the nation.
