Abdul Aziz from TDP Assumes Role as Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board

Vijayawada, Dec 17 (NationPress) Abdul Aziz, a prominent leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has been unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board on Tuesday.

A meeting convened on Tuesday led to the unanimous election of the chairman. A. Thameem Ansariya, the Collector of Prakasam district and a Board member, was chosen as the presiding member for the meeting.

During this meeting, the attendees collectively endorsed Abdul Aziz, who is part of the AP State Waqf Board, for the position of Chairperson.

Following his election, Abdul Aziz, who oversees the TDP activities in the Nellore Parliamentary constituency, stated that the Waqf Board will undertake significant decisions under the coalition government.

He acknowledged that the previous lack of action had left a gap in the Board's ability to make decisions.

He mentioned that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had informed him of the importance of his role in safeguarding the properties of the deity and urged him to fulfill his duties diligently.

Chandrababu Naidu has revitalized the Board responsible for the protection of divine properties, amidst some unfounded accusations aimed at him.

“The Waqf Board's role extends beyond mere asset protection; it must also create revenue and ensure societal benefits,” he emphasized.

Abdul Aziz asserted that safeguarding Waqf properties is a collective responsibility shared by the government and the Board.

He highlighted that out of 60,000 acres of Waqf land, a staggering 32,000 acres are currently under encroachment.

He committed to implementing reforms within the Waqf Board in collaboration with the Chief Minister.

The state government reformed the State Waqf Board on December 6 with the appointment of eight members, following the dissolution of the previous Board.

Among the elected members, the government appointed Md Ruhullah and Mutawalli Shaik Khaja from the Members of the Legislative Council.

The government additionally nominated Abdul Aziz, Haji Mukarram Hussain (Shia scholar), and Mohammad Ismail Baig (Sunni scholar).

Three other members were appointed under section 14 (3): MLA Mohammed Naseer, Syed Dawood Basha Baqavi, and Shaik Akram.

The TDP-led NDA government restructured the Waqf Board just a week after the previous Board, which was established by the YSR Congress Party, was dissolved.

The Minorities Welfare Department issued a G.O. on November 30, nullifying the earlier G.O. from October that established the Waqf Board.

The previous government of the YSR Congress Party had formed an 11-member Waqf Board, with three elected members and the rest nominated.

In response to a legal challenge concerning the Board's formation, the Andhra Pradesh High Court issued a stay on the election of the chairperson on November 1, 2023.

The G.O. 75, issued on November 30, noted that the Chief Executive Officer of the State Waqf Board alerted the government about the prolonged inactivity of the Board and the pending legal cases questioning the validity of G.O. Ms. No. 47, aiming to resolve ongoing litigations and avoid administrative stagnation.