Puducherry: The Communist Party of India State Council has demanded cancellation of the newly formed Puducherry Waqf Board after the government included two non Muslim members in the body.
The party passed a resolution condemning the move and stated that the decision harms the interests of the Muslim community. The council called for the immediate dissolution of the current board and the formation of a new board under the provisions that existed before the recent amendment to the Waqf law.
In its resolution, the CPI pointed to the appointment of Member of Parliament S. Selvaganabathy as one of the non Muslim members. The party described him as a strong supporter of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and raised concerns over his presence in the Waqf Board.
The dispute links to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The amendment introduced changes to the Waqf Act 1995 and allowed the inclusion of non Muslim members in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council.
The Union government has stated that the new provision aims to improve transparency and administrative efficiency in the management of Waqf properties. Officials said the changes introduce secular oversight while leaving religious matters untouched.
Several Muslim organisations and political parties have opposed the amendment. Groups such as the CPI and the Communist Party of India Marxist argue that the provision weakens religious autonomy and minority rights.
Petitions challenging the amendment have reached the Supreme Court of India. During hearings in 2025, the Union government assured the court that non Muslim appointments would remain restricted in certain cases until further orders. The court later imposed limits on such appointments.
During the same meeting, the CPI State Council also urged the government to establish a textile park in Puducherry and appoint a regular director in the Agriculture Department.
