IUML Keralam chief Sadikali Thangal downplays row over Waqf board reconstitution

The Waqf board in Kerala, which oversees charitable endowments for the Muslim community, has been the subject of a political dispute after the state government announced a fresh set of members. Critics argued that the new composition excluded some influential groups, raising concerns about representation and the management of assets worth billions of rupees. The controversy emerged just weeks before the board is expected to approve several major development projects, prompting public debate about transparency and communal harmony.

Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, the chief of IUML Keralam, responded to the criticism by stating that the government had ensured that every major Muslim organisation now has a voice on the board. He explained that the selection process aimed to balance historical representation with the need for fresh perspectives, and that any organisation left out could still be offered a role in related committees or advisory panels. Thangal emphasized that the board’s work is essential for the upkeep of mosques, schools and health facilities that serve the community.

The issue matters to readers in Kerala because the Waqf board’s decisions affect local employment, education and social services that many families rely on. Observers note that the board’s composition can influence how funds are allocated to projects in rural and urban areas, potentially shaping the economic outlook for Muslim households. As the matter moves toward a legal review, stakeholders are watching for any court rulings that could alter the board’s structure or its future appointments.