Tamil Nadu Assembly Urges Centre to Reconsider Waqf Bill; BJP Exits
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing concerns over its impact on Muslim rights. While all major parties supported the resolution, the BJP walked out before the vote.
Key Takeaways
- Unanimous support for withdrawing the Waqf Bill.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasizes constitutional rights.
- BJP stages a walk-out during the vote.
- Concerns raised over the impact on Muslim minorities.
- Calls for consensus among stakeholders.
Chennai, March 27 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution with unanimous support, calling on the Union government to retract the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, due to worries that it compromises the rights of Muslims in the nation.
All significant political factions, including AIADMK, backed the resolution, while the BJP walked out prior to the voting process.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who introduced the resolution, emphasized that the Indian Constitution guarantees every religious community the right to practice and maintain their beliefs, and it is the responsibility of a democratically elected government to protect these rights.
He voiced strong dissent against the suggested alterations to the Waqf Act, 1954, asserting that they would adversely affect Muslim minorities.
CM Stalin also pointed out that DMK representatives A. Raja and M.M. Abdullah, who are part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), were not permitted to express their viewpoints regarding the proposed modifications during committee discussions.
In a gesture of democratic respect, CM Stalin requested Speaker M. Appavu to allow BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan to share her perspective on the issue.
He highlighted that the DMK has always maintained democratic principles by permitting opposition voices to be heard within the Assembly.
In defense of the Bill, Vanathi Srinivasan argued that the Centre had opted to amend the Waqf Act following multiple complaints concerning mismanagement of Waqf properties across various states.
She asserted that the Bill seeks to safeguard the interests of the “backward sections” of the Muslim community and to ensure enhanced representation for women.
However, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy countered her assertions, claiming that the opinions of certain JPC members were disregarded during deliberations.
He further labeled the Waqf Amendment Bill as an “economic assault” on the Muslim community.
PMK leader G.K. Mani stated that the Bill should advance only if the Union government can establish a consensus among all parties involved.
AIADMK member S.P. Velumani also expressed support for the resolution, contributing to the united stance against the Bill.
The Assembly concluded by reiterating its demand for the Union government to completely withdraw the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
