Waqf Board grant for national day events triggers political faceoff in Chhattisgarh

A decision by the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board to provide limited financial assistance for Independence Day and Republic Day programmes at mosques, madrasas, and imambaras has triggered a political debate in the state, with the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress locking in a war of words over intent, inclusivity, and the use of public funds.

The proposal involves grants ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 for economically weaker Waqf institutions to facilitate flag-hoisting ceremonies, distribution of sweets, and discussions on constitutional values during national celebrations. Defending the move, Waqf Board chairman Salim Raj said the initiative was aimed at promoting social harmony and reinforcing visible participation in national events.

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Speaking to the media, Raj said the decision was taken against the backdrop of recurring questions raised about patriotism within sections of society. He stressed that the assistance was meant only for institutions lacking adequate resources and was not intended to politicise religious spaces or create preferential treatment.

The Congress, however, questioned the rationale behind the move, drawing a sharp response from Raj, who accused the party of historically treating minorities as a vote bank and distancing them from the national mainstream. Participation in national festivals, he said, was a reflection of genuine nationalism and respect for the national flag.

Countering these remarks, former Waqf Board chairman Salam Rizvi rejected the allegations, recalling the Congress’s role in the freedom movement and warning against attempts to rewrite political history. He also flagged concerns over the feasibility of the proposal, noting that the state has thousands of Waqf properties while the Board operates within a constrained budget.

He further argued that if public funding is being extended for national celebrations, it should be done in an even-handed manner across religious institutions, including temples and churches, to avoid perceptions of selective outreach.

What began as an administrative decision has now evolved into a wider political contest, reopening questions around the intersection of faith, public funding and national symbolism. With both sides standing firm, the issue is expected to remain part of Chhattisgarh’s political discourse in the days ahead.