Government gains Muslim organisation support for Waqf Bill

NEW DELHI: Facing opposition from several political parties over the proposed bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, the government is seeking to garner support from the Muslim community itself.

Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday evening met with a delegation of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, comprising prominent sajjada nashins (spiritual heads) from various dargahs across the country. The delegation was led by Syed Naseruddin Chishty, chairman and successor of the present spiritual head of Ajmer Dargah. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla was also present during the meeting. The council members extended their support to the government over the proposed bill. "We believe that the central as well as state government will maintain full transparency," Chishty told media persons in Delhi.

He said the delegation would provide its suggestions once the government comes out with the bill.


"Whosoever is opposing the bill is not doing justice to the community. Rather than opposing the bill, it would have been better if they contributed with suggestions which can make the bill more coherent," Chishty said.