Kerala reconstitutes Waqf, names IUML's Haji chief

The Kerala government has reconstituted the State Waqf Board by appointing Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M C Mayin Haji as its new chairman, dissolving the previous board less than seven months after its formation, officials confirmed on Saturday.

Through an order issued on Friday, the government dissolved the former board—which had been set up in March this year under the previous LDF administration and was headed by K S Hamsa—and appointed a new nine-member committee, despite over four years remaining in the previous board's term.

According to Kerala State Waqf Board officials, Mayin Haji, who is the state vice-president of the IUML, has previously served as a board member.

The newly appointed board members include IUML leader Kurukkoli Moideen, Musthafal Faizi, Siras D Capsi, Thodiyoor Muhammed Kunju Maulavi, Sajna Firoz, Jaseem Sabaha, Dr Abdul Majeed, and Salahi Madina Begham.

This development occurred while a petition filed by former chairman Hamsa challenging the board's reconstitution remains pending before the Kerala High Court.

The restructuring has generated attention due to the omission of representatives from the A P Sunni faction, led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, alongside the inclusion of members from the Mujahid faction.

Officials noted that the government has held back on appointing two non-Muslim members under the amended Waqf Act, pending a final judgment from the Supreme Court.

The board's reconstitution arrives amidst ongoing demonstrations against the Centre's amendments to the Waqf law, as well as broader disputes surrounding the administration and protection of Waqf properties.

Officials added that the new board is expected to hold its inaugural meeting shortly.