INL criticises reconstitution of Keralam Waqf Board

The Indian National League (INL) has criticised the reconstitution of the Keralam State Waqf Board under Muslim League leader M.C. Mayin Haji, raising allegations of corruption against him.In a statement issued here on Saturday (October 17, 2026), INL State general secretary Kasim Irikkur described the board’s composition as “strange and cruel” and accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) government of selecting members entirely on political considerations.Mr. Irikkur alleged that the two Samastha factions, which he claimed led 95% of Waqf institutions, had been sidelined. Though Mr. Haji could be considered a representative of both the Indian Union Muslim League and the E.K. faction of Samastha, the internal differences between the two organisations were evident in the board’s composition, the statement said.‘Kanthapuram faction excluded’The INL also alleged that the Mujahid movement, the Dakshina Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind had been accommodated, while the Kanthapuram faction of Samastha, which had previously played a leading role in the board, had been excluded.The party criticised the decision to give women representation in excess of the quota prescribed under the Waqf law. It said the decision not to include two non-Muslim members was the only notable aspect in which the new board followed the previous Left Democratic Front government’s approach.Mr. Irikkur levelled allegations of Waqf property irregularities, corruption and financial misconduct against Mr. Haji. The INL alleged that protecting those accused in such cases and destroying evidence could become the new chairman’s priorities. Published - October 18, 2026 07:00 am IST