Tamil Nadu Muslim Organizations Extend Unconditional Support to AIADMK

Support for AIADMK from Muslim Groups

The South India Dargah Mosque Association, with senior member M.G.F.A. Jafar Ali, has met with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, alongside eight other Muslim organizations, including the Tamil Nadu Urdu Muslim Development Organization and various Sufi Sunni groups, to express their unconditional support for the AIADMK-led NDA coalition. Palaniswami assured these Muslim organizations that the AIADMK government has consistently supported minority communities in Tamil Nadu, particularly Sufi Sunni Muslims.

Concerns Over New Chief Qazi Appointment

The South India Dargah Mosque Association expressed disappointment regarding the appointment of a non-Tablighi Kanni Muslim as the Chief Qazi of Thenbarapiri without consulting the Sunni Muslim community. In a letter addressed to Palaniswami, the association highlighted that for over a century, the appointment of the Chief Qazi (Chinta Qazi) in Tamil Nadu has been made by the Sunni Muslim community. Out of Tamil Nadu's total Muslim population of 3%, approximately 2.3% belong to the Parbini Muslim community. However, the recent appointment was made without any input from the Sunni Muslim community, which has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the 2.3% Kanni Muslim community in Tamil Nadu.

Challenges Faced by Mosques and Dargahs

The South India Dargah Mosque Association further noted that there are currently over 2,500 mosques and dargahs operating across Tamil Nadu. Each of these institutions donates about 7% of their revenue to the Waqf Board. Despite this significant contribution, the issues faced by these institutions have remained unresolved for the past fourteen years. Due to the lack of effective solutions, representatives of these mosques and dargahs are encountering numerous challenges. Many issues and disputes related to Waqf properties remain pending and unresolved, with a large number of legal cases and petitions still outstanding.

Call for Intervention and Support

The letter stated that as a result, trustees and mutawallis of Waqf properties have been compelled to seek justice from the High Court and the Supreme Court for their grievances. While supporting the AIADMK-led NDA coalition, the organization urged for intervention to safeguard the interests and rights of the Muslim community. The letter concluded with a request for personal intervention to protect the rights, traditions, and welfare of the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu, expressing readiness to support the AIADMK-led coalition.