After the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, BJP MP Jagadish Shettar dismissed it as a mere publicity stunt, emphasizing that the issue should be debated in Parliament.
“The bill has to be debated in the Parliament. The only effect of this resolution is publicity. It will have no constitutional effect,” Shettar said.
Similarly, former Karnataka CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai stated that the Opposition’s objections were politically motivated rather than based on the merits of the Bill.
Tamil Nadu Assembly’s Stand
The resolution against the Bill was moved by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and supported by MLAs from various DMK and AIADMK alliance parties, including:
- M Jagan Moorthy (Puratchi Bharatham Party – AIADMK Alliance)
- Velmurugan (Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi – DMK Alliance)
- Nagai Maali (CPIM – DMK Alliance)
- Sinthanai Selvan (VCK – DMK Alliance)
- MH Jawahirullah (Manithaneya Makkal Katchi – DMK Alliance)
- E R Eswaran (Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi – DMK Alliance)
However, BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan opposed the resolution, asserting that only the Central government has the authority to amend the law.
CM Stalin’s Concerns
During the Assembly session, CM Stalin strongly opposed the Bill, claiming it is against Muslims and infringes upon state rights, culture, and tradition.
“The Central government is inserting schemes that are against state rights, culture, and tradition. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is destroying the rights of Muslims. The Central government never thought about the welfare of Muslims and their rights,” Stalin stated.
He further alleged that the Bill undermines the Waqf Board’s power and called for its withdrawal.
“People are living in religious harmony in India. The Constitution has provided rights for all people to follow their religion. The Assembly unanimously insists that the Union government should recall the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” the resolution stated.
What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024?
The Waqf Act of 1995 was introduced to regulate Waqf properties but has faced criticism for mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to address these challenges through:
- Digitisation of Waqf properties
- Enhanced audits
- Improved transparency
- Legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties
The Union government has referred the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a detailed examination with expert and stakeholder consultations.