Consensus arrived at with factions aggrieved over non-representation in Waqf Board, says Kerala Minister
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minority Welfare Minister N Samsudheen announced that a "consensus" has been arrived at with various aggrieved Muslim factions regarding representation on the newly reconstituted State Waqf Board.
The resolution comes following protests by the Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar faction of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama over their exclusion from the reconstituted body. After a meeting with representatives from the group, Samsudheen assured that the government would address their concerns by nominating a member of the faction to the Board.
In response to the minister's commitment, the Kanthapuram faction confirmed that it has called off its planned agitations.
Addressing initial concerns regarding the reconstitution, Samsudheen clarified that the selection process was bound by regulatory frameworks. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, he noted that all factions could not be accommodated immediately as two to three posts were allocated specifically for the general category.
"As we reconstituted it according to the law, everyone could not be included in it," Samsudheen said, adding that two petitions challenging the reconstitution were not interfered with by the Kerala High Court because the Board was formed legally.
He emphasised that the state had no intention of sidelining any group, explaining that appointments were governed by specific statutory categories. For groups unable to secure a seat on the core Board, alternative representation would be offered across related state bodies.
"That is the stand of the Department, party and the UDF," he said, reiterating that those left out will be considered for positions on other state panels, including the minority welfare and Haj committees.
While Samsudheen maintained that a "consensus has been arrived at", he declined to elaborate on the exact mechanism or disclose specific details on how the inclusion process will be implemented.
The minister’s announcement follows a key meeting convened a day earlier by Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, State President of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), who met with leaders of various Muslim factions to deliberate on the issue.
The dispute arose after the Kerala government dissolved the previous Waqf Board last Friday—then headed by K S Hamsa and appointed by the prior LDF administration in March—despite over four years remaining in its official term.
The government subsequently constituted a new nine-member panel headed by IUML leader M C Mayin Haji. The reconstituted Board includes IUML leader and MLA Kurukkoli Moideen, Musthafa Faizi, Siras D Capsi, Thodiyoor Muhammed Kunju Maulavi, Sajna Firoz, Jaseem Sabaha, Dr Abdul Majeed Swalahi, and C Madina Begham. (PTI)