Former Shia Waqf Board Chief adopts Hinduism, to be known as Jitendra Narayan Tyagi

New Delhi, Dec 6: Former Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board Waseem Rizvi has adopted Hinduism after quitting Islam on Monday.
Rizvi adopted Hinduism in a conversion ceremony held at Dasna Temple in Ghaziabad. Head priest of the temple and a controversial figure Yati Narsinghanand completed the conversion rituals.
Rizvi is now rechristened as Jitendra Narayan Tyagi after the religious conversion.
In a video message issued publicly, Rizvi announced his conversion and also spoke about his wish to be cremated as per Hindu rituals.
“I have adopted Sanatan dharma and wish to be cremated according to its ritual post my death. I must not be buried. My funeral pyre should be lit by Mahant Narsinghanand of the Dasna temple in Ghaziabad,” he said.
Under fire from the Muslim community for his book and statements against Prophet Mohammad and Islam, the former UP Shia Waqf Board Chief has a penchant for controversies.
Rizvi had stirred controversy when he released a book in November titled ‘Muhammad’ which criticized Islam and its practices.
He had also filed a petition in the Supreme Court for the removal of 26 verses from the Quran, which according to him, promoted terrorism and Jihad.