'Will destroy rights of Muslims': MK Stalin moves resolution in TN Assembly against Waqf Amendment Bill 2024

MK Stalin

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, arguing that it was against the interests of Muslims in the country. The Bill was supported by all political parties, including the AIADMK, while the BJP, which opposed it, walked out of the House before the voting.

The CM, while moving the resolution in the state Assembly said that the Bill is intended to destroy the rights of the Muslim community.

"The amendments say that any Waqf property identified by the government will not come under the Waqf Board. This is unacceptable," Stalin said. "It also claims that Waqfs created by non-Muslims will be deemed invalid, which further adds to the confusion and mistrust," remarked Stalin.

He added that the amendments introduced by the BJP-led central government were aimed at weakening the Waqf Board and interfering in the administration of Waqf properties, which are traditionally governed by Islamic law for the benefit of the Muslim community.

Stalin noted that the proposed changes have already drawn strong objections from the DMK and several opposition parties, resulting in the bill being referred to the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) for further review.

Law Minister S Regupathy echoed Stalin's sentiments, questioning the rationale behind appointing individuals from other religions to a body that is inherently religious in nature. He argued that such appointments could lead to governance issues and potential mismanagement of Waqf properties.

The Waqf Amendment Bill was proposed by the central government in Parliament in 2024. It seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to redress the challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. On March 19, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a similar, resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Centre's Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sparking a heated debate and prompting a walkout by the Opposition BJP.