AIMPLB likely to expel Nadvi for Ayodhya formula

Hyderabad: The AIMPLB, an apex body of the Muslims, is likely to expel its executive member Maulana Syed Salman Hussaini Nadvi for favouring handing over disputed land in Ayodhya, where Babri Masjid once stood, for the construction of Ram temple.

Taking strong exception to the proposal, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has formed a four-member committee to take disciplinary action against Nadvi, an eminent cleric who mooted the proposal during a meeting with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The committee comprises AIMPLB president Rabey Hasani Nadvi, general secretary Wali Rahmani and executive members Arshad Madani and Khalid Saifullah Rahmani and it is expected to take a decision on Sunday. The deliberations at the three-day crucial plenary, which began here on Friday, were dominated by the controversy.

Sources in AIMPLB said Salman Nadvi, who teaches at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, a leading seminary in Lucknow, may be expelled from the board for not only taking a stand in contravention of its traditional stand on Babri Masjid but also making allegations against the board's leadership.

With the executive meeting pulling up Nadvi for his proposal, he stayed away from the plenary meeting on the second day and reportedly left Hyderabad. Earlier, talking to reporters, he alleged that two executive members Kamal Farooqi and SQR Ilyas humiliated him.

Salman Nadvi defended his formula saying this would ensure peace and communal harmony. He alleged that there is dictatorship in the board and few people are controlling it. Ilyas on Saturday denied the allegations made by Salman Nadvi against him.

"I initiated the discussion but all those who spoke opposed the proposal as it is the well-known stand of the board that the land of mosque can't be sold, gifted or alienated. This is an attempt to malign the board," he said.