New Delhi: Minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju met with a delegation of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) as the government is set to bring in a bill proposing over 40 amendments to the Wakf Board Act. The Council, in a press conference on Tuesday, extended support to the amendments alleging that dargahs have mostly suffered due to the powers given to Waqf Boards.
In a post on X, Rijiju said that the delegation comprised some of the most revered and prominent Sajjadanashins from various Dargahs across India, led by the spiritual head of the Ajmer Dargah Syed Naseruddin Chishty, who also heads the AISSC. Additionally, the AISSC in a letter to Rijiju hailed him for the proposed amendments, which it said were a long time demand and will protect the interests of the Sufi tradition.
Last evening a delegation of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) comprising of the most revered & prominent Sajjadanashins from various Dargahs across India met me under the leadership of Shri Syed Naseruddin Chishty, Chairman & Successor of the Present Spiritual… pic.twitter.com/Pzjzpg1tgh
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 6, 2024
In a press conference, Chisty insisted on a separate Dargah Board as part of the amendments to the Wakf Act, and said that the government can choose to either define a dargah’s powers so that they are protected.
“Currently, the Wakf Act does not mention dargahs at all. The Waqf Boards do not recognise dargah or our traditions. The reason is that many of our traditions are not there in the sharia, so a separate Dargah Board must be formed,” Chisty said.
He added that apart from Rijiju, the delegation also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. “The NSA and the Minority Affairs Minister both have assured us that all the stakeholders will be consulted and the amendments will be in the interest of Muslims,” Chishty added.
“It was a fruitful & forward looking discussion. They lauded & praised the efforts of PM Shri @narendramodi ji towards the welfare of the entire community and minorities in general. They also committed themselves towards the Sankalp of Viksit Bharat 2047,” Rijiju posted on X.
As many as 40 amendments will be made to the Wakf Act in the new legislation, and this has earned the government the criticism of the Opposition parties. On Sunday, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said that it will not “tolerate” any interference with the nature of the Waqf properties and legal status and powers of the Waqf Boards.