The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 2 crore to the Waqf Board for minority welfare, a decision that has met with opposition from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The allocation comes from the Minority Development Department's budget of Rs 10 crore for the financial year 2024-25. This allocation was formalized through a government resolution issued by Deputy Secretary Moin Tashlidar.
### VHP's Opposition
- **Mohan Salekar, Konkan Division Secretary, VHP:** Expressed strong opposition to the funding decision, arguing it represents appeasement of a particular religious community. Salekar warned that the Maha Yuti government might face backlash from Hindu voters in upcoming local body and assembly elections if the decision is not reversed.
### Background and Justification
- **Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (2007):** The committee's inspection of the Maharashtra State Waqf Board and its properties led to a promise of grants from the then-chief minister. This resulted in the current budget allocations.
- **Mufti Manzur Ziyaee:** Welcomed the decision, stating it is a positive step for the betterment of the community and should not be viewed through a political lens since the funds were already allocated for minority welfare.
### Political Reactions
- **Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena UBT MP:** Responded to the VHP's protests by suggesting that they are free to protest and implying that the VHP's affiliates are responsible for bringing the current government to power.
### Key Points
- The funds allocated to the Waqf Board are intended for the welfare of minorities.
- The decision stems from a longstanding promise following the recommendations of a parliamentary committee.
- The VHP views the allocation as appeasement and a political misstep by the current government.
- Supporters of the allocation argue it is a pre-existing budgetary commitment aimed at community welfare, not political gain.
