Kerala is preparing to fully reconstitute its State Waqf Board. The move comes after the Madras High Court stopped the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board from using its powers. The court found Tamil Nadu’s board had left several posts vacant, including slots for two non-Muslims and a professional expert, as required by law. Kerala’s government had earlier thought of leaving some positions vacant too. Now, Kerala officials are rushing to find candidates for all required posts. They aim to complete this before the Assembly elections scheduled for April. The Kerala government and board had previously opposed including non-Muslims in the Waqf Board. But with elections near, the CPI(M)-led government may carefully include two non-Muslims due to social and political sensitivity. Another challenge is to nominate two Muslim women civic representatives with legal backgrounds. The search focuses on elected women leaders in the state. Additionally, nominees from the AP and EK Sunni Muslim groups will join the board. The law asks for members from Shia, Sunni, and other backward Muslim communities on the board. Kerala won’t include members from Bohra and Aghakhani communities, as these groups don’t exist in the state. Sources say the final decision on reconstituting the board will come early next week.