The All India Muslim Tyohar Committee has intensified its opposition to the appointment of two non-Muslim members to the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, appealing directly to the President and the Prime Minister to intervene and revoke the decision.

Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, the committee's Chief Patron, Shamshul Hasan, said letters have been sent to the country's two highest constitutional authorities requesting the dissolution of the current Waqf Board and the formation of a new body that reflects the sentiments of the Muslim community.

Hasan clarified that the organisation has no objection to Waqf Board Chairman Sanwar Patel or the Muslim members serving on the board. He said the committee's opposition is limited to the inclusion of two non-Muslim members, arguing that the Waqf Board is a religious institution associated with Islamic charitable properties and should be managed by representatives from the Muslim community.

Demand for Review

According to Hasan, the letters submitted to the President and the Prime Minister urge the Centre to withdraw the present order and constitute a fresh Waqf Board in accordance with the community's expectations.

He expressed hope that the constitutional authorities would appreciate the sensitivity of the issue and take a decision that respects the religious sentiments of Muslims. Hasan also claimed that governments have reviewed decisions in the past in response to public sentiment and appealed for a similar reconsideration in this case.

Remarks on Religious Leaders

Without naming anyone directly, Hasan also criticised certain Muslim scholars and religious leaders who welcomed the newly constituted Waqf Board and its chairman.

He said religious leaders, despite being well-versed in the Quran and Hadith, should stand with the community on issues affecting religious institutions rather than supporting what he described as a controversial decision.

The remarks are seen as an indirect reference to Bhopal City Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi, who had recently welcomed the reappointed Waqf Board Chairman Sanwar Patel.

Appeal to Religious Leadership

Hasan said the responsibility of religious leadership extends beyond issuing public statements and includes safeguarding the interests of the community.

He urged contemporary Islamic scholars to draw inspiration from historical religious leaders who, according to him, worked for the welfare and rights of the community. Those who have remained silent or supported the appointments should reconsider their position, he added.

Committee Vows Democratic Protest

The committee claimed that resentment over the inclusion of two non-Muslim members exists among sections of the Muslim community across the country.

Hasan maintained that the protest is not directed against any political party but against a decision that many community members perceive as interference in the administration of a religious institution.

He said the organisation would continue its campaign through democratic and constitutional means if the government does not review the appointments.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began after the Madhya Pradesh government reconstituted the state Waqf Board and appointed two non-Muslim members—Manoj Malpani of Indore and Animesh Bhargava of Raghogarh—along with the reappointment of Sanwar Patel as chairman.

The appointments have triggered protests from some Muslim organisations, including demonstrations in Bhopal demanding that the government withdraw the decision. However, other community leaders have publicly welcomed the new board, highlighting differing views within the community over the issue.