Maharashtra Govt Withdraws Rs 10 Crore Fund Allocation for Waqf Board Amid Legal Concerns

MUMBAI/SAMBHAJINAGAR: In a swift move, the Maharashtra government on Friday withdrew its controversial order granting Rs 10 crore for the functioning and strengthening of the Maharashtra State Board of Waqf. The decision came after intervention from Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who raised concerns about the legality and timing of the order while the state was under a caretaker government.

The order, which had drawn attention for its timing ahead of the formation of a new government, was initially issued by the state administration. However, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye was among the first to flag the issue, pointing out on social media that the current caretaker government did not have the authority to make such policy decisions.

Responding to the concerns, Fadnavis took to social media later in the day, stating that it was inappropriate for the administration to issue a government resolution for disbursing funds to the Waqf Board during the tenure of a caretaker government. He confirmed that the Chief Secretary had immediately withdrawn the order and assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated once the new government was formed.

This withdrawal underscores the legal complexities surrounding government decisions during the caretaker period, with a promise of further scrutiny to ensure proper governance once the new administration takes charge.