Top leaders of the Dawoodi Bohra community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and extended their full support for the recently introduced amendments to the Waqf Act. The meeting highlighted the strong and evolving bond between the Dawoodi Bohra community and the central government, particularly under the leadership of PM Modi.
The delegation, led by dignitaries of the community including Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s close associates, expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for initiating reforms in the Waqf law that aim to bring more transparency, accountability, and community participation in the management of Waqf properties. The leaders said the changes were timely and aligned with the aspirations of progressive sections within the Muslim community.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, recently passed by Parliament, seeks to improve the management of Waqf properties and ensure that their benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries. The amended law includes provisions to prevent illegal encroachments, bring transparency in land records, and introduce digital documentation of properties under the Waqf Board’s jurisdiction. These reforms have received mixed reactions from various Muslim groups; however, the Dawoodi Bohra community has openly endorsed them.
The Dawoodi Bohra leaders commended PM Modi for promoting inclusive growth and respecting cultural diversity. In return, the Prime Minister appreciated the Bohra community’s contribution to India’s economic, social, and cultural landscape. He praised the community for being peace-loving, progressive, and deeply rooted in the values of education and entrepreneurship.
According to official sources, PM Modi also highlighted the importance of religious harmony and community-driven development during the meeting. He noted that the Dawoodi Bohras have always stood out for their disciplined lifestyle, philanthropic outlook, and commitment to nation-building. He encouraged them to continue their positive role in India’s developmental journey and assured them of the government’s unwavering support.
This meeting is not the first instance of cordial engagement between the Prime Minister and the Dawoodi Bohra community. PM Modi has maintained a longstanding relationship with the community’s spiritual leadership, even participating in their religious gatherings in the past, including Ashara Mubaraka sermons. This continued camaraderie reflects a shared vision for a modern and inclusive India.
Notably, the Dawoodi Bohra leadership emphasized that the amendments to the Waqf Act would empower local communities to have a stronger say in the use and upkeep of Waqf properties, which are often mismanaged or lost to litigation. By ensuring clear ownership rights and digitization, the law could reduce corruption and increase the utility of these assets for educational and charitable purposes.
The leaders also brought up issues faced by the community in certain states concerning property rights and administrative hurdles, to which the Prime Minister reportedly responded positively, assuring action to resolve their concerns through dialogue and cooperation with state governments.
Political analysts view this meeting as an important signal of support from a key Muslim sect that has historically maintained a distinct identity while staying deeply integrated with India’s secular framework. The Dawoodi Bohras, primarily based in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, are known for their structured religious hierarchy and deep-rooted traditions, but they have also embraced modernity in education and enterprise.
The endorsement of the Waqf Amendment Act by such a community adds a significant voice to the national discourse surrounding religious reform and governance. It suggests that a section of India’s Muslim population is open to legal and structural changes that aim to improve institutional integrity and promote transparency.
As India moves forward with policy changes affecting minority communities, the constructive participation of groups like the Dawoodi Bohras may pave the way for broader consensus-building. The Prime Minister’s engagement with such stakeholders reflects a governance approach that seeks dialogue over discord and inclusion over isolation.
The meeting concluded on a note of mutual respect and commitment to national development, with both sides affirming their dedication to harmony, progress, and unity in diversity.