The Maharashtra government, led by the BJP, has sparked controversy by providing ₹10 crores to strengthen the State Waqf Board. As part of this initiative, the Minority Development Department has issued an order to allocate ₹2 crores to the Waqf Board in Aurangabad on Monday (10th June). The remaining funds will be distributed to relevant organizations in the Financial year 2024-25.
According to reports, the Maharashtra government has designated 20% of its minority welfare funds for the Waqf Board this year. This decision was confirmed by Islamic scholar Mufti Manzoor Ziai.
Mufti Manzoor Ziai expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It is a positive development that the government has allocated 20 percent of the funds intended for minority welfare to the Waqf Board. These funds can now be utilized more effectively… It was long overdue, so it is appropriate to release this money.”
However, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has raised objections to the allocation of ₹10 crores to the Maharashtra Waqf Board, claiming it is an act of appeasement towards a specific religious community.
Mohan Salekar, the VHP (Konkan) Prant Secretary, stated, “This will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” He further criticized the BJP leaders for opposing grants based on religion during elections but now changing their stance.
Salekar warned that if this decision is not reversed, the Maha Yuti will face the anger of the Hindu community in the upcoming local body and Vidhan Sabha elections.
In May of this year, OpIndia had disclosed that the entire village of Wadanage in Kolhapur staged a bandh to demonstrate against the land encroachment by the Waqf Board near Mahadev Temple. Various Hindu groups and residents joined in the protest.