Govt eyeing Waqf land, temple trusts properties could be next, says Uddhav

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (Courtesy: PTI file photo)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday accused the Union government of eyeing Waqf board lands, warning that religious properties belonging to temples, churches, and gurdwaras could be targeted next.

Speaking at a press conference, Thackeray criticised the BJP’s stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and "its ploy to take away (Waqf) land and give it to its industrialist friends."

The Waqf Amendment Bill, which passed in the Lok Sabha after a 12-hour debate, has been opposed by the Sena (UBT), part of the Opposition’s INDIA grouping.

"The concern about the Muslim community shown by the BJP and its allies supporting the bill will put (Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali) Jinnah to shame," Thackeray told reporters.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, who leads the rival Shiv Sena faction, asserted that Thackeray’s resistance to the bill was a graver "crime" than entering into an alliance with the Congress.

"You are eyeing Waqf land, but temple trusts, churches, gurudwaras too have land. You may be eyeing us (lands of Hindu temples) as well. The bill was brought just for land. We have opposed this sham," said Thackeray, a former Maharashtra chief minister.

"If the Waqf bill is for the betterment of the Muslim community, who has abandoned Hindutva (by bringing it in)," he asked.

"What has the Waqf (Amendment) Bill to do with Hindutva? How will Hindus benefit from this?" he further said.

Thackeray, however, admitted that the bill has some good elements, and said his party will not support negative politics. "There should be transparency," he added.

According to the government, the Waqf Amendment Bill aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.