# IUML chief downplays Waqf board row

> Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal says all Muslim organisations have representation and those excluded can join other bodies.
- Title: IUML chief downplays Waqf board row · The Hindu | Shortify
- Summary: Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal says all Muslim organisations have representation and those excluded can join other bodies. IUML State president Syed Sadikali…
- Keywords: iuml, syed sadikali shihab thangal, waqf board, kerala, samastha kerala jamiyyathul ulama, kanthapuram a.p. aboobacker musliar, muslim organisations, united democratic front, news, politics, chief, downplays
- Source: The Hindu — https://thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/iuml-keralam-chief-sadikali-thangal-downplays-row-over-waqf-board-reconstitution/article71599999.ece
- Author: The Hindu Bureau
- Published: 2026-10-18T14:31:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iuml, syed sadikali shihab thangal, waqf board, kerala, samastha kerala jamiyyathul ulama, kanthapuram a.p. aboobacker musliar, muslim organisations, united democratic front, news, politics
## IUML chief dismisses Waqf row
Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, Indian Union Muslim League State president, downplayed controversy over the reconstitution of the State Waqf Board on Sunday.
## All organisations represented
Thangal told media that all Muslim organisations had been given representation in the board and those left out could be considered for membership in other bodies.
## Other bodies still to be formed
The Hajj Committee and the Madrasa Welfare Fund Board are yet to be reconstituted by the government, Thangal said, offering those excluded from the Waqf board positions there.

> The bodies such as the Hajj Committee and the Madrasa Welfare Fund Board are yet to be reconstituted by the government. Those who have not been included in the Waqf board will be considered for such bodies.
## Sunni faction criticises exclusion
The Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama faction led by Sunni scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar had criticised the board, saying they were not given fair representation.
## Thangal defends Samastha inclusion
Thangal said the reconstituted board included two Samastha representatives, including the chairman, and that Musthafal Faisy is also from the Samastha.

> There are two representatives from the Samastha. One is the chairman himself, who is among its prominent members. Musthafal Faisy is also from the Samastha.
## UDF kept Hajj Committee arrangement
Thangal maintained the United Democratic Front government did not change the arrangement where the Hajj Committee chairman remains a Kanthapuram faction representative.
## Key takeaway

IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal dismissed controversy over the reconstituted State Waqf Board, saying all Muslim organisations have representation.