"Why a non-Muslim cannot be a member of the Waqf Board," Shiv Sena's Nirupam slams Akhilesh Yadav

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 27 : Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has questioned Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and said that a Muslim leader Azam Khan was put in charge of the Kumbh Mela when SP was in power in Uttar Pradesh, then, why can't a non -Muslim cannot be a member of the Waqf Board.
"Firstly, the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is a historic event...Hindus from all over the world will visit this event...In the Waqf Amendment bill proposed by the central government, there was a provision to include non-Muslims as a member of the Waqf board. Samajwadi party opposed this provision. Now, questions are being asked to Akhilesh Yadav, as during his rule in UP, a Muslim leader Azam Khan was put in charge of the Kumbh Mela. When a Muslim leader can be the charge of the largest gathering of Hindus, then why a non-Muslim cannot be a member of the Waqf Board?..." said Sanjay Nirupam.
Recently, the Lok Sabha approved a motion to extend the tenure of the JPC on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and mandated the presentation of their report by the end of the 2025 Budget Session.
On December 5, Jagdambika Pal, head of the JPC, noted that the committee had held 27 meetings in Delhi before the extension of its tenure. These meetings included discussions with multiple stakeholders and various ministries of the Government of India.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
The JPC is conducting extensive consultations with government officials, legal experts, Waqf Board members, and community representatives from various states and Union Territories to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation.