Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has strongly criticized the proposed Waqf Board Amendment Bill, calling it a violation of Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. He argues that the inclusion of non-Muslims on Waqf Board committees undermines the freedom to manage religious affairs guaranteed by the Constitution. Owaisi questions the need for non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board when Hindu endowment boards, such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), have no non-Hindu members.

Owaisi’s remarks come in response to the TTD’s new chairman, BR Naidu, stating that all staff employed in the Tirupati temple should be Hindus. Owaisi acknowledges that this decision is in line with Hinduism and does not object to it. However, he emphasizes the importance of parity among boards, pointing out that Hindu endowment boards in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu have similar membership requirements.

The AIMIM president expresses concern that the Waqf Board Amendment Bill empowers non-Muslim collectors and CEOs, potentially harming the board’s functioning. He urges the government to reconsider the bill, citing Article 26 and the need to protect the rights of Muslim communities to manage their religious affairs. Owaisi’s stance highlights the ongoing debate surrounding religious freedom and the role of government in managing religious institutions.