New Delhi [India], March 27: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai criticized the resolution moved by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling it politically motivated. He assured that efforts would be made to ensure inclusivity in the Bill, as it concerns the fundamental rights of all citizens.
“Efforts will be made (in the Waqf Amendment Bill) to take everyone along because the fundamental rights of the people will be involved in this… They (Opposition) are opposing it just for political reasons,” Bommai told ANI.
AIADMK Accuses DMK of Vote Bank Politics
AIADMK National Spokesperson Kovai Sathyan also slammed the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, accusing it of creating a divisive narrative based on religion and language.
“DMK is in a hurry to set a narrative based on religion and language. There was a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Bill—why aren’t the parties whose members are in the JPC challenging Waqf in the judiciary? Why rush to pass a resolution in the Assembly? Trying to instigate people for vote bank politics is highly condemnable,” Sathyan said.
MK Stalin’s Stand: “Waqf Bill Destroys Muslim Rights”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, while moving the resolution in the state Assembly, alleged that the Waqf Amendment Bill is anti-Muslim and an attack on state rights, culture, and tradition.
“This Waqf Amendment Bill is destroying the rights of Muslims. The central government never thought about the welfare of Muslims. So, we must pass a resolution against it,” Stalin declared.
He further claimed that the Union Government’s proposal to include two non-Muslims in the State Waqf Board was a ploy to take over Waqf properties, violating religious freedoms.
“This is against the freedom of religion and is hurting Muslim sentiments. The Union Government has not considered its impact on Muslim rights. DMK members in the JPC, A Raja and MM Abdullah, have already spoken against it,” Stalin added.
Resolution Demands Withdrawal of Waqf Amendment Bill
The resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly insisted that the Union Government withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill, as it would adversely impact minority Muslims.
“India upholds religious harmony, and the Constitution grants every citizen the right to practice their religion. Elected governments must protect these rights. The Tamil Nadu Assembly urges the Union Government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024,” the resolution stated.
What is the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024?
The Waqf Act of 1995 was enacted to regulate Waqf properties but has faced criticism over mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to introduce key reforms such as:
- Digitization of Waqf records
- Enhanced audits and transparency
- Legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties
The Union Government has formed a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the Bill with inputs from experts and stakeholders. However, opposition parties argue that it threatens Muslim autonomy over Waqf properties.
With polarizing political debates intensifying, the fate of the Bill remains a subject of national discussion.