Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has strongly criticised Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, questioning his opposition to the inclusion of non-Muslims as members of the Waqf Board. Nirupam’s remarks come in the wake of discussions surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and its provisions to allow non-Muslims on the board.

In a statement, Nirupam pointed out the irony in Yadav’s stance, citing the example of the Kumbh Mela, which took place in Prayagraj during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. Nirupam questioned how Azam Khan, a Muslim leader, was appointed to oversee the largest Hindu religious gathering, yet Yadav and his party are now opposing the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board.