Ulama Board’s 17 Demands for MVA Support: Muslim Quota, RSS Ban

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 11th Nov. As campaigning intensifies for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, the All India Ulema Board has put forward 17 conditions for supporting the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. In a letter addressed to MVA leaders, the Board outlined key demands, including reservations for Muslims, opposition to the Waqf Bill, and a ban on the RSS should the MVA form the next government.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a primary MVA ally led by Sharad Pawar, responded cautiously. NCP’s Maharashtra President, Jayant Patil, expressed surprise and noted that details of the demands were still being verified.

Key Demands from the All India Ulema Board

Among the Board’s requirements for extending electoral support, specific demands were raised to address issues pertinent to the Muslim community in Maharashtra:

1. Ban on RSS: The Board has asked the MVA to commit to banning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state.
2. Muslim Reservations: They call for 10% reservations for Muslims in education and employment.
3. Opposition to the Waqf Bill: The Board requests the MVA to actively oppose the Waqf Bill.
4. Funding for Waqf Board Development: A ₹1,000 crore fund to support Maharashtra’s Waqf Board.
5. Release of Innocent Detainees: Release of Muslim detainees from riots between 2012 and 2024.
6. Salary for Religious Leaders: Monthly government salaries of ₹15,000 for imams and clerics at mosques.
7. Priority in Police Recruitment: Increased recruitment preference for Muslim youth in police services.
8. Action Against Specific Individuals: Disciplinary action against certain individuals, including Ramgiri Maharaj and Nitesh Rane.
9. Inclusion in Government Committees: Appointment of Ulema Board clerics and imams to state committees.
10. Expansion of Waqf Board Staffing: Hiring 500 employees for the Maharashtra Waqf Board with preference for Muslim candidates.
11. Removal of Encroachments: Enacting legislation to remove encroachments on Waqf properties.
12. Ban on Insulting Prophet Muhammad: Enforce strict laws against any statements or actions deemed disrespectful to Prophet Muhammad.
13. Representation of Muslim Candidates: Reserve 50 assembly tickets for Muslim candidates in the 2024 elections.
14. Provision of Resources Across Districts: Supply the Ulema Board with essential resources across 48 districts.
15. Action on Seized Lands: A survey and restoration of lands seized from mosques, cemeteries, and dargahs.
16. Youth Prioritization in Waqf Hiring: Employment preference for Muslim youth in Waqf Board positions.
17. Release Efforts for Maulana Salman Azhari: The Board calls on 30 MVA MPs to petition the Prime Minister for the release of Maulana Salman Azhari.

Response from NCP Leader Jayant Patil

Reacting to the Board’s demands, Jayant Patil, Maharashtra NCP President, commented, “These demands are unexpected, and we are in the process of determining their origin and legitimacy. The MVA hasn’t officially agreed to these conditions, and we need to evaluate them thoroughly.”