Waqf Board: Who Will Be the Next Chairman — A Non Muslim or Muslim?
Waqf Board | Hyderabad, Sept. 16: The formation of the Telangana State Waqf Board under the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 has triggered widespread debate, particularly over who will be nominated as its next chairman — a Non Muslim or a Muslim.
The decision now rests with the Revanth Reddy government, which will soon have to navigate the provisions of the new law.
According to the amended Act, the Board is to be reconstituted with representation from several categories.
It will include a chairperson, a Member of Parliament from the state, and either an MLA or an MLC.
From the Muslim community, the structure mandates the presence of one Mutawalli, one eminent Islamic scholar, and at least two elected representatives from municipalities or panchayats, and Two members of the Board shall be women.
The Act further provides for two individuals with professional expertise in business management, social work, finance or revenue, agriculture, or developmental activities.
In addition, the Board will also have the Joint Secretary of the state government dealing with Waqf matters, along with one member of the Bar Council.
Waqf Board
The legislation goes further to ensure inclusivity within the Muslim representation. It specifies that the Board must have at least one member each from Shia, Sunni, and Other Backward Class categories.
In cases where Bohra and Aghakhani communities have functional auqaf in the state or Union Territory, they too will be represented.
The Act also clarifies that elected members already in office at the time of its commencement will continue to serve until their terms expire, even under the amended framework.
This restructured composition marks a significant shift from the earlier system, giving space to political representatives, professionals, and diverse Muslim sects.
The changes have now raised critical questions about the leadership of the institution. The choice of chairman will reflect not only the letter of the new law but also the political intent of the government.
For now, speculation continues as the community awaits clarity from the Revanth Sarkar on who will be nominated to lead the Waqf Board under this new structure.
Meanwhile, the High Court is expected to deliver its final verdict soon on CEO Asadullah’s pending appeal.
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