Wakf Board chairman denies allegations of irregualarities

Mumbai, May 10 (UNI) Congress MLC Dr M A Aziz, who is also the chairman of Maharashtra Wakf Board, today categorically denied that he was involved in any irregularities while dealing with Wakf matters.

Talking to reporters, Dr Aziz said the reports, appearing in a section of press, were baseless and levelled with a malafide intention of tarnishing his image.

Dr Aziz said as Wakf Board chairman he held equivalent status to that of a minister of state. Desite this fact, a deputy secretary, A Kadri, was appointed to inquire into the alleged irregularities in Wakf Board. This, he said, is unconstitutional as a deputy secretary was not legally empowered to conduct the inquiry.

Dr Aziz said he had yet cooperated with the Kadri Committee and provided all details.

While criticising the appointment of Mr A R Shaikh as the CEO of Wakf by the Wakf Ministry, Dr Aziz said the appointment is against the rule of the State Government and the Wakf Board Act.

He alleged that the CEO had ''illegally'' issued no objection certifciates in five cases of Wakf property matter for which he should be suspended.

Dr Aziz alleged that his political adverseries may be against him to tarnish his image against the backdrop of the rumours of possible Cabinet expansion and, so such stories must have been planted.

UNI