Hours after Maharashtra authorities issued a government resolution (GR) approving the disbursal of Rs 10 crore to the State Waqf Board, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik announced on Friday (November 29) that the order has been withdrawn.
According to the information released, the withdrawal of the order followed after the strong opposition from the BJP’s Maharashtra unit, which cited the party’s stance that the Waqf Board has no constitutional legitimacy and reiterated its commitment to maintaining this position.
BJP raises objection
Signficantly, the BJP's Maharashtra unit strongly opposed the resolution after it was passed. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the party clarified that the decision had been made at the administrative level without proper consultation and has now been cancelled.
“Fake news is spreading that the BJP-Mahayuti government has immediately given Rs 10 crore to the Maharashtra Waqf Board. This incorrect decision was made mutually at the administrative level. However, it has now been cancelled following strong opposition from BJP leaders,” the statement read.
“The BJP is adamant that the Waqf Board has no place in the Constitution and will continue to oppose it,” it added.
About the Government Resolution
The GR, issued on Thursday (November 28), stated that the finance and planning department had approved a Rs 10 crore grant to strengthen the Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs (MSBW), headquartered in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. However, the order has now been officially withdrawn.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the state government's decision to cancel the disbursal of the amount to Waqf board, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the controversy. He stated, "The Chief Secretary has immediately withdrawn the GR, as it was improperly issued by the administration regarding the grant to the Waqf Board during the tenure of a caretaker government."
"Once a new government is formed in the state, the propriety and legality of this decision will be thoroughly investigated.”
