Jaleel Accuses UDF of Aiding BJP Through Waqf Board Reconstitution Maneuvers

Allegations of Shadow Alliances and Protected Property

Former Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel has launched a sharp critique against the United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership, characterizing Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan as "Modi in khadi" and N. Shamsudheen of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as "Amit Shah in a mundu." In a statement initially carried by the CPI(M) organ Desabhimani, Jaleel argued that the UDF has pressured for the immediate dissolution of the current State Waqf Board since taking office in May. According to Jaleel, this push serves as a shield for individuals involved in the illegal occupation of Waqf land.

Jaleel contrasted this approach with the precedents set by the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). He noted that after the LDF took power in 2006 and 2016, the government permitted IUML-endorsed Waqf Board chairmen to finish their full tenures rather than removing them prematurely. The former minister contends that the present board, overseen by Chairman K.S. Hamsa, is aggressively pursuing legal action to reclaim assets from influential figures who have held large properties for years while paying only nominal rents.

Legal Friction and the August 25 Supreme Court Date

The controversy centers on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which faces legal challenges in the Supreme Court regarding the inclusion of two non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards. Jaleel highlighted the following points regarding the ongoing dispute:

• The Supreme Court is set to evaluate the legal validity of the amended Act on August 25.
• Jaleel claims the IUML and V.D. Satheesan are misleading the public by asserting that non-Muslim appointments are already a settled legal mandate.
• The current Waqf Board is currently litigating cases involving unauthorized sales and significant financial irregularities.

Claims of Tactical Encroachment Protection

Jaleel maintains that the rush to reconstitute the board before the judiciary rules on the amendment is a tactical move designed to benefit the BJP's broader objectives. He asserts that the UDF's demand for a new board structure aims to derail successful recovery operations of encroached properties. By painting the legal challenges as failed, Jaleel argues the UDF is creating a false narrative that justifies the early overhaul of the administrative body charged with protecting religious endowments.

Source: The Hindu — National