Maharashtra’s caretaker government has reversed its decision to allocate ₹10 crore to the state Waqf Board, in the face of political opposition. The gowernment stated that the decision had been made due toan administrative error.
On November 28, 2024, the minority development department issued a government resolution (GR), allocating the funds for the financial vear 2024- 25 o improve the board’s infrastructure and Administrative error, says chief secretary management. However, this move was met with strong opposition from Hindu groups and questions about whether a caretaker government had the guthority to make such decisions.
Chief Secretary Sujita Saunik clarified that the resolution was issued without proper scrutiny, leading to the mistake. Opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, criticised the decision, accusing the government of having used it to curry favour with minority voters.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP leader Priyanka Chaturvedi called the move ‘hypocrisy and questioned the caretaker government’s right to make such policy decisions, The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) strongly opposed the decision, accusing the government of favouring a particular religious community.
The VHP’s Konkan region secretary, Mohan Salekar, said, “This will not be tolerated”, warning that if the decision wasnt reversed, the ruling coalition could face backlash from the Hindu community in upcoming elections. Salekar further criticised the Mahayuti government, saying, “The government is doing what even the Congress government didn’t do. It is appeasing a particular community.
If this decision stands, Mahayuti parties will face the anger of Hindus in the upcoming local body and assembly elections.” Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhyay also questioned the decision, pointing out that a caretaker government does not have the authority to make such policy decisions.
He added, “Since it appears to have been made at the administrative level, we expect the administration to correct the decision.” Faced with such criticism, the Maharashtra caretaker government was forced to reverse its decision. This move comes at a politically sensitive time, with the state still awaiting the announcement of its new chief minister and local body elections approaching.
