Lucknow: A serious allegation has emerged against the Uttar Pradesh Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards for allegedly registering not only Waqf properties but also private assets—including those belonging to Hindus and benami owners—as Waqf through the “Umeed Portal” created for Waqf management.
According to Jitendra Narayan Singh, formerly known as Syed Wasim Rizvi and presently the National Vice President of Hindu Mahasabha, the boards have been acting “as slaves of hardline clerics” and have “misused their powers” by recording private properties under Waqf without lawful justification.
Amendment 2025: Membership of Nominated Members Ceased
Jitendra Narayan Singh highlighted that the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which has now come into force across India, clearly states that only elected members of previously constituted Waqf Boards shall continue to hold office until completion of their tenure. Consequently, the membership of all nominated members stands terminated with immediate effect upon enforcement of the amendment.
He further asserted that, as per the new provisions, fresh nominations must be made under the revised structure, and no former nominated member holds any authority to participate in board proceedings or issue directions after the amendment came into effect.
Letter to Board Officials and State Authorities
In his statement, Singh said he had written to both the Chief Executive Officer of the Shia Central Waqf Board and the Sunni Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh, warning that any meetings or decisions taken by boards involving these former nominated members would be illegal and void ab initio.
Despite this, he claimed, a meeting of the Shia Central Waqf Board is scheduled for October 13, 2025, in which those nominated in 2021—including the current Chairperson—are expected to participate. Singh noted that the board currently has only one elected member, Begum Noor Bano from Rampur, and that all other members, including the Chairperson, ceased to hold membership following the 2025 amendment.
Call for Government Action
Terming the issue “extremely serious,” Singh has urged the Uttar Pradesh Minority Affairs and Waqf Department to take immediate cognizance of the matter. He confirmed that he has written letters to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and to the Minister for Minority Welfare and Waqf, apprising them of the alleged illegality and requesting government intervention to prevent any unlawful meetings or decisions.
About the Complainant
Jitendra Narayan Singh, formerly Syed Wasim Rizvi, currently serves as the National Vice President of the Hindu Mahasabha.
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