Raipur
A circular issued by the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board, directing mosque caretakers to have their Friday sermons vetted by the Board, has drawn sharp criticism from AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.
“We have instructed the Mutawallis (caretakers) of all mosques to follow the Waqf Board’s guidelines to maintain social harmony. There have been instances where attempts were made to disrupt social integrity. Additionally, we have asked caretakers to promote awareness of central government welfare schemes in mosques. I stand by this directive,” said State Waqf Board Chairman and BJP Minority Cell In-charge Dr. Salim Raj.
Waqf boards are tasked with managing and protecting Waqf properties within their designated areas.
“Mosques should focus on religious teachings and practices without adopting a political tone in speeches delivered before Jumma Namaz. Instances of fatwas being issued or political endorsements being made from mosques have been observed. To prevent this, I have directed all Mutawallis to submit the content of their sermons to the Waqf Board for approval,” Raj explained in a statement on Saturday.
He defended the directive, emphasizing that mosques and dargahs fall under the jurisdiction of the Waqf Board. Raj also stated that imams have been instructed to promote government welfare schemes, particularly those aimed at minorities.
The opposition Congress criticized the move as an infringement on the religious freedom of minorities. “The Waqf Board has overstepped its mandate. Its role is to manage Waqf properties as per Waqf deeds, not to regulate sermons or impose restrictions on religious leaders,” said Sushil Anand Shukla, head of the Congress media cell.
Owaisi lashed out at the directive, accusing the BJP government in Chhattisgarh of overreach. “The BJP wants khateebs (preachers) to get their Friday sermons vetted by the Waqf Board before delivering them. Now, they want to dictate what our religion is? Do we need their permission to practice our faith? The Waqf Board has no such legal authority, and even if it did, this would violate Article 25 of the Constitution,” he asserted.
