In a first-of-its-kind directive, the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has announced that all sermons delivered during Islamic Friday prayers will require prior approval to prevent political content. Council chairman Salim Raj issued circulars stipulating that speeches at mosques should strictly adhere to Islamic teachings and avoid political themes.

Salim Raj, who assumed office last month and also heads the BJP’s minority cell in the state, shared the decision via WhatsApp messages. He stressed that religious spaces should not be transformed into “political spaces”. addas (hubs),” adding, “Politics is for politicians, and sermons should focus on Islam and the message of Allah. »

The council plans to implement the directive in 3,800 mosques in the state starting this Friday. According to Raj, the move follows reports of alleged “anti-government” speeches in some mosques in the BJP-ruled state.

The directive drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Congress, Indian Express reported.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi called the decision unconstitutional in a social media post, arguing that it violated Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. “The Waqf Board has no legal authority to pre-approve sermons, and even if it did, it would still be unconstitutional,” Owaisi said.

Congress also condemned the move, calling it an attack on free speech and religious freedom. Party spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla said: “Although the waqf board supervises properties, it does not have the power to dictate the content of sermons delivered in mosques. »

The BJP defended the move as a move to prevent the misuse of mosques for political purposes. BJP spokesperson Tauqir Raza argued that uncontrolled political statements in religious contexts could escalate tensions, citing Kashmir as an example where fatwas allegedly contributed to violence against Kashmiri Pandits. “We are ensuring that mosques are not used for anti-national or controversial activities,” Raza said.

The directive sparked a broader debate on the intersection of religious practice, political expression and constitutional rights in India.