By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net,
Lucknow: Race for the post of chairman of state’s Shia Central Board of Waqfs (SCBW) is once again hotting up with several groups staking their claim for the coveted post. The election for the post has been necessitated following the resignation of Kamaluddin Akbar as SCBW chairman.
The outgoing chairman Kamaluddin Akbar had resigned in 2010 but his resignation was accepted last Tuesday. Another member Principal Secretary (Law), SMA Abedi too had tendered his resignation as member of the board. State government nominated two members Maulana Ansar Hussain and Deputy Secretary (Appointment) Najmul Hasan Rizvi to fill the vacancies. Presently there are 13 members in the board who elect the chairman among themselves.
The SCBW controls a large number of properties across the state. Several prominent clerics try to control the board by getting their candidate nominated in the board. The post which comes with a red beacon and status of a state minister also provides access to various religious organizations and closeness to political leaders. With assembly elections due in 2012, no group wants to let this opportunity slip from their hand.
The front runner for the post, are Urooj Alam who is reported to have the backing of a minister. Former chairman and corporator, Waseem Rizvi too has intentions for running in the elections. Eminent Shia cleric and Imam-e-Juma Maulana Kalbe Jawwad Naqvi who usually has a say in the appointment is maintaining stoic silence over the issue. The outgoing chairman was his close relative while Waseem Rizvi is also stated to be his protege. Jawwad faction is supporting Maulana Jarar Haider of Bulandshaher for the post.
However, Jawwad’s detractors are also planning to field their own candidate. In the previous elections, both the groups were pitched against each other. The acrimony even forced personalities as former High Court Judge SHA Raza, IAS officer Kamran Rizvi and Assistant Chief Standing Counsel SMA Rizvi to resign from the membership of the
board.
On the other hand, the financial position of the board has nosedived due to the tussle. The employees have not got their salary for past six months and are on strike. There is no CEO to run the daily functioning of the board.