The leading body of caretakers at Ajmer Dargah, 'Anjuman', has criticized its members for backing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, branding them as 'non-state elements' working contrary to Muslim community interests.
How Did the Controversy Begin?
Khadim Salman Chishti supported the bill by calling it progressive for the Muslim community, igniting the dispute. The situation intensified when Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praised and shared Chishti's thoughtful piece.
Statement by Anjuman Secretary Sarwar Chishti
Anjuman's Secretary, Sarwar Chishti, condemned Salman Chishti's stance, insisting he is just one of 5,000 khadims and lacks authority to contradict the organization's decisions.
He stated, 'The caretaker's organization already passed a resolution against this bill. Salman Chishti cannot impose his personal views against our collective decision. His misuse of the khadims' name is unacceptable.'
Salman Chishti Not the 'Dargah Leader'
Sarwar Chishti clarified that although Salman Chishti portrays himself as a 'Dargah Leader' in the media, he is merely a khadim, not the Dargah chief.
He added, 'While I do not object to his personal opinion, he cannot oppose the organization's decisions by presenting himself as the Dargah chief.'
Objection to Nasiruddin
The secretary also criticized Nasiruddin, son of Dargah Diwan Zainul Abideen Ali Khan, for supporting the bill and thus acting against the Muslim community's interests.
Chishti reiterated, 'These individuals are behaving like non-state actors, damaging the interests of the Muslim community nationwide.'
