Chennai (Tamil Nadu), March 27: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced by the BJP-led Central government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly criticized the proposed amendments, alleging that they would “destroy the rights of Muslims.”
In a post on X, Stalin condemned the bill, claiming it was designed to cripple the Waqf Board and undermine religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. “All parties in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly have unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill brought by the Union BJP government! The BJP aims to disable the Waqf organization by introducing several amendments without any demand from Muslims,” Stalin said.
The Chief Minister further questioned the rationale behind the amendments, stating, “What is the need for these amendments when the very people they are intended for do not accept them? The people of Tamil Nadu want the Union Government to completely withdraw this law, which divides the people and infringes upon the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Earlier on Thursday, Stalin introduced a resolution in the state Assembly, emphasizing that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 was detrimental to Muslims’ rights. He also criticized the Central government for inserting schemes that interfere with state rights, culture, and traditions. “In India, we have diverse cultures, traditions, and languages, but the BJP is pushing these changes with the intention of undermining states,” he said. Stalin further asserted that the bill posed a direct threat to the rights of Muslims and questioned the government’s commitment to their welfare.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which governs Waqf properties, has faced criticism over mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to address these issues through reforms such as digitization, improved audits, enhanced transparency, and legal measures to recover illegally occupied properties. A Joint Parliamentary Committee has been formed to review the Bill in consultation with experts and stakeholders.