Bawankule Slams Uddhav Thackeray for Betraying Balasaheb’s Principles on Waqf Bill
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Synopsis
BJP's Bawankule criticizes Uddhav Thackeray for opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, claiming it undermines the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray and suggests discontent among Shiv Sena workers.
Key Takeaways
- Bawankule's critique of Uddhav Thackeray.
- Opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill framed as vote-bank politics.
- Fadnavis defends the bill's secular intent.
- Calls for transparency in Waqf Board operations.
- Shinde accuses Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva.
Pune, April 5 (NationPress) Maharashtra BJP president and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule launched a fierce critique of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday, accusing him of undermining the principles and vision of his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, by opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Bawankule asserted that Thackeray's opposition is motivated by vote-bank politics in anticipation of the forthcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
“Uddhav Thackeray's viewpoint regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill is not even palatable to his own party members. I have received communications from various parts of the state indicating that numerous Shiv Sainiks are disenchanted and contemplating leaving the party. His Shiv Sena will not endure for another year,” Bawankule declared.
He further accused Thackeray, stating, “By opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, Uddhav has committed a significant breach.”
On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the Bill, asserting that it embodies the secular and democratic essence embedded within the Constitution.
“The previous Waqf Board was a product of appeasement politics. It neither aided the minority community nor contributed to any charitable endeavors. Instead, it was exploited to unlawfully seize land. The largest Waqf land scam in Maharashtra transpired during the Congress administration. We have even initiated an inquiry into this matter,” Fadnavis stated.
He emphasized that the revised law would introduce crucial transparency and ensure that advantages reach the common Muslim.
“The Bill does not encroach upon any religious beliefs. It simply rectifies historical injustices and guarantees women’s representation on the Waqf Board while eliminating the former provision that restricted judicial oversight of its actions,” he remarked.
Fadnavis also alleged that Waqf lands were frequently appropriated by the Board and subsequently by Congress leaders, adding, “This Bill aims to put an end to this plunder. Those who genuinely adhere to Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals should endorse it.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who leads a faction of the Shiv Sena, accused Thackeray of forsaking Hindutva and compromising Balasaheb's tenets. “His opposition to the Bill reveals his true priorities — power over the welfare of the people,” Shinde stated.
