New MP Waqf Board: Hindu Inclusion Ignites Political Row!
New MP Waqf Board: Hindu Inclusion Ignites Political Row!
Madhya Pradesh makes history by including Hindu members in its Waqf Board under a new law. This groundbreaking move, spearheaded by CM Mohan Yadav, faces backlash from Muslim leaders and Congress MLA Arif Masood, sparkin
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reconstituted the State’s Waqf Board, making Madhya Pradesh the first state in the country to reorganise the board under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. This new 10-member board includes two non-Muslim members, both Hindus: Manoj Malpani from Indore and Animesh Bhargava from Guna district. The gazette notification announcing the new board was issued on July 4 by the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanwar Patel has been retained as the Chairperson of the Board.
The decision has, however, drawn strong criticism from leaders within the Muslim community. Congress MLA Arif Masood termed the move “completely wrong,” pointing out that the matter related to various provisions of the new Act is currently pending before the Supreme Court. Mr. Masood has stated his intention to approach the Supreme Court to challenge the State government’s decision.
Responding to the criticism, the government issued a statement highlighting the significance of the reconstitution. “Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken an important decision to reconstitute the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board. The newly constituted Board comprises 10 members, including two Hindu members — Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava. With this, Madhya Pradesh has become the first State in the country to reconstitute its Waqf Board under the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995, as amended in 2025,” the statement read.
Other notable members of the board include former Union Minister Najma Heptulla, Congress MLA Atif Aqueel, Faizan Khan, Fatema Choudhary, Shaista Sultan, and Shabana Khan. Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Satyendra Singh, Commissioner of the Backwards Classes and Minority Welfare Department, will serve as an ex officio member. Najma Heptulla's appointment, made under the elected category through a notification on April 19, 2023, remains valid until April 18, 2028.
