Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Against Proposed Waqf Amendment Bill

Chennai, March 27: The Tamil Nadu Assembly, led by the ruling DMK, passed a resolution on Thursday urging the Union government to withdraw the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly opposed the bill, stating that it would “badly affect minority Muslims” and hinder the powers of the Waqf Board.

Addressing the Assembly, Stalin said, “The Union government is attempting to amend the Waqf Act in a way that will curtail the authority of the Waqf Board. This move is hurting the sentiments of Muslims, but the Centre is showing no concern.” He further emphasized that India is a country that values religious harmony and that the Constitution guarantees the right to religious freedom.

“The elected governments have the duty to protect these rights. The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously demands that the Union government withdraw the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill of 2024,” he added.

AIADMK Slams DMK’s Move

The AIADMK, Tamil Nadu’s principal opposition party, criticized the resolution, accusing the DMK of playing “vote bank politics.” AIADMK national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said, “The DMK is in a hurry to set a narrative based on religion and language. Why are parties with members in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) not challenging the bill in court? Why this rush to pass a resolution in the Assembly? This is an attempt to instigate people for political gain.”

Growing Opposition to the Bill

The controversy over the proposed Waqf amendments is not limited to Tamil Nadu. On Wednesday, opposition parties in Bihar created a ruckus in the state assembly, demanding the bill’s withdrawal. Protesters also called for the full implementation of the Sachar Committee’s recommendations, which had highlighted the socio-economic backwardness of Indian Muslims.

The proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill has yet to be introduced in the Lok Sabha. However, with the Union Cabinet approving key amendments based on recommendations from the parliamentary panel, the bill is expected to be tabled soon. The legislation is likely to face stiff resistance from opposition parties, setting the stage for a heated debate in Parliament.

What’s Next?

As political tensions rise, the future of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill remains uncertain. With state governments like Tamil Nadu opposing it and opposition parties gearing up for a fight in Parliament, the Centre may have to navigate significant political hurdles before the bill sees the light of day.