By Syed Zubair Ahmad
Sirajuddin Qureshi’s stubbornness to retain the presidency of the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) until his final moments seems to disregard all norms and regulations. Despite crossing the age of 75, Qureshi adamantly refuses to relinquish his position, leading him to navigate a labyrinth of legal battles without respite.
The crux of Qureshi’s reluctance stems from an impending storm of legal challenges. He finds himself embroiled in a 222 crore scam, facing charges from both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His status as a proclaimed offender, coupled with an active lookout notice against him, paints a precarious future outside the protective walls of the IICC. An anonymous IICC member lamented, “Qureshi’s sanctuary lies within the IICC; once outside, incarceration looms, driving his relentless pursuit to retain his sanctuary.”
The saga escalated when Qureshi attempted to sway the Board of Trustees (BOT) to abolish the age limit of 75, enabling him to vie for the presidency again. However, the majority of the seven-member BOT refused to yield to his demands, urging him to gracefully vacate his office. Unmoved by their counsel, Qureshi then endeavored to manipulate the General Body (GB), confident that his extensive enlistment of preferred members would secure the necessary approval.
Yet, his efforts faced an abrupt halt when the Delhi High Court intervened, imposing a stay on convening the GB meeting. The court’s directive upheld the Memorandum of Association (MOA), explicitly prohibiting any office bearer from continuing past 75 years of age. Following the court’s ruling, Qureshi, in a notice to the members, postponed the Annual General Body Meeting, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. However, displaying unyielding determination, Qureshi lodged an appeal with the session court against the High Court’s decision.
This obstinacy starkly contrasts Qureshi’s earlier plea to his supporters during the last election, where he pledged for their votes, promising a graceful retirement. Yet, his actions contradicted his words when Nafis Abbasi, seeking reelection for the treasurer’s post at the age of 72, faced Qureshi’s objection, citing the impending breach of the age limit. “All members of the Centre must adhere to the Memorandum of Association,” emphasized Muhammad Salamatullah, underscoring the need for compliance.
Qureshi’s enduring tenure spanning four consecutive terms since 2004 has prompted introspection. Institutions embody distinct characters, and an individual’s prominence shouldn’t eclipse an institution’s identity. Reflecting on the two-term tradition in the United States for public offices, former DG Muhammad Wazir Ansari asserted, “If Sirajuddin Qureshi values an iota of dignity, he must step away from the IICC affairs, allowing new leadership to emerge.”
Recent developments in a CBI court declaring Qureshi a proclaimed offender in a 222 crore bank fraud further exacerbate the predicament. One member of the IICC expressed dismay, questioning how a tarnished figure like Qureshi could continue to helm such a prestigious institution, branding it a matter of shame and disgrace for the community.
Maintaining respect while respectfully disagreeing, Ahmed Reza, a trustee and treasurer remarked, “Siraj Sb should not adamantly push to amend the MOA regarding the age limit; instead, he should uphold it, affording others an opportunity. Such actions would elevate his stature and garner respect.”