TTD Chief Criticizes AIMIM Leader’s Remarks on Waqf Board and Tirumala Temple
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman BR Naidu has criticized AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s statement, emphasizing that the Waqf Board is a real estate company and questioning the comparison with the revered Hindu temple, Tirumala.
Tirumala Tirupati DevasthanamsBr NaiduAsaduddin OwaisiWaqf BoardWaqf ActReal EstateNov 04, 2024
Naidu emphasized, “This statement is baseless, the waqf board is a real estate company… how can he compare it with Tirumala? Tirumala is a Hindu temple. For many years, there have been demands that non-Hindus should not be permitted to work in Tirumala. This is not just my personal opinion; Sanatana Dharma clearly states that only Hindus should be there. We are currently working on this issue and will make a decision in our first board meeting.”
On Saturday, AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the Modi government’s proposed Waqf amendment bill, questioning the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the central Waqf Council. Owaisi posed a rhetorical question, “If Muslims cannot be trustees of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), how can a non-Muslim be a part of the Waqf board?”
At a press conference, Owaisi said, “Not a single member of the 24-member TTD Board is a non-Hindu. The new Chairman of TTD has stated that the people working there should be Hindu. While we are not against this, we do object to the fact that the Modi government is proposing in the Waqf bill that two non-Muslim members should be mandatory in the central Waqf Council. Why is this provision being introduced in the Waqf bill?”
Owaisi further added, “TTD is a board of the Hindu religion, and the Waqf Board is for the Muslim religion. There should be parity. If the trustees of TTD cannot be Muslims, how can a non-Muslim member be on the Waqf Board?”
Naidu’s comments came after he was appointed as the new Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Chairman. He stated on Thursday that he would prioritize discussions with the government about employees of other religions working at Tirumala, considering whether they should be transferred to other departments or given voluntary retirement. “I will talk to the government about the people from other religions working in Tirumala on first priority, whether to shift them to other departments or give them VRS,” he said.
The Waqf Act, 1995, was created to regulate waqf properties and has long faced allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha this August, aims to bring sweeping reforms, including digitization, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is a government organization responsible for the administration and management of the famed Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, one of the most visited and second-richest religious institutions in the world. It is committed to preserving and promoting Hindu religious and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)?
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is a government organization responsible for the administration and management of the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most visited and second-richest religious institutions in the world and is dedicated to preserving and promoting Hindu religious and cultural heritage.
Who is BR Naidu?
BR Naidu is the current Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). He has been appointed to oversee the administration and management of the Sri Venkateswara Temple and is known for his strong stance on religious and cultural preservation.
What is the Waqf Board?
The Waqf Board is a government body responsible for managing waqf properties, which are religious endowments in Islam. These properties are typically dedicated to charitable or religious purposes and are regulated to ensure proper use and management.
What is the Waqf Act, 1995?
The Waqf Act, 1995, is a legislation that was created to regulate waqf properties in India. It aims to address issues of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments and ensures that waqf properties are used for their intended charitable and religious purposes.
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha, seeks to bring sweeping reforms to the management of waqf properties. It includes measures such as digitization, stricter audits, increased transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
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