The Congress party has announced its intention to challenge the reorganisation of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, which now includes Hindu members, in the Supreme Court, terming the move as inappropriate. The decision, taken by the state government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sparked a political controversy.
Congress Vows Legal Action
Senior Congress leaders stated that the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board violates the fundamental principles of the Waqf Act. “This is a direct attack on the secular fabric of the board. We will approach the Supreme Court to challenge this unconstitutional decision,” said a party spokesperson. The Congress argues that the Waqf Board is a religious institution meant to manage Islamic endowments and should not be diluted with members from other faiths.
BJP Defends Reorganisation
Leaders of the ruling BJP, however, expressed satisfaction over the decision. They asserted that the move should not be viewed through the prism of religion. “The Waqf Board is not limited to mosques; it deals with property and community welfare. Including Hindu members brings transparency and inclusivity,” said a senior BJP leader. The state government claims the reorganisation aims to improve the board’s efficiency and curb mismanagement.
Background of the Controversy
The Madhya Pradesh government issued an order on July 5, 2026, restructuring the Waqf Board by appointing three Hindu members to the nine-member body. This is the first time in the state’s history that non-Muslims have been included in the board. The opposition has accused the BJP of attempting to politicise religious institutions ahead of the 2028 state elections.
Legal and Political Implications
Legal experts are divided on the issue. Some argue that the Waqf Act of 1995 allows for the inclusion of non-Muslim members in certain capacities, while others contend that the board’s core religious character must be preserved. The Congress has promised to file a petition in the Supreme Court within a week, citing violation of the Constitution’s Article 25 and 26, which guarantee freedom of religion. The BJP, meanwhile, has urged the opposition to support the move, claiming it will benefit all communities.
