BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh on Saturday condemned All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi for raising objections on the 'only Hindu-staff policy' at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
He said that AIMIM chief was ignorant of the distinction between temple trusts and the Waqf Board, claiming that the latter was attempting to conflate religious faith management with land administration.
Owaisi had made objections over the newly launched 'only Hindu staff policy' by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which has limited temple jobs for only Hindus.
Questioning the only-Hindu policy at TTD, Owaisi asked the Centre why it was adamant about including members from other communities in the Waqf Board.
"The TTD has evolved a 'Hindu-only staff policy' in Tirumala, whereas the Centre seeks introduction of non-Muslim representation on Waqf Boards. We have no objection to TTD's approach, but if temple trusts limit their members to one community, then why bring in a provision for non-Muslim members in the Waqf Council? " had asked Owaisi.
To this, Singh said, "Owaisi seems to misunderstand the roles of temple trusts and Waqf Boards. The Waqf Board is basically a land management authority, whereas temple trusts are institutions of religious worship and devotion, requiring staff of the same faith. Does anyone expect a Hindu to manage a mosque? That is not practical."
Speaking to IANS, Singh mentioned that the purpose behind the Waqf Board was "a land management entity with responsibilities to ensure community benefit through educational institutions, facilities, and more."
But he added that the experience in all walks of life, irrespective of religion, would be useful here, as "land management is about resources, not just faith".
He further accused Owaisi of politicizing the issue by saying, "Owaisi fails to realize that mosques are not directly managed by Waqf Boards. Temple trusts, on the other hand, manage religious practices directly. In recent times, incidents like the 'spitting in food' controversy have made proper management of trusts crucial."
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