Following Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's move to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, AIADMK chief Kovai Sathyan accused Stalin of "trying to provoke people for vote bank politics."
The Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the central government is aimed at amending the Waqf Act of 1995. Stalin alleged that the bill would weaken the Waqf Board's powers and hurt minority Muslim feelings and also discriminate against Waqf donations from non-Muslims. In his view, the amendments would allow the government to decide Waqf property that would not be part of the Waqf Board, which he deems abhorrent.
He also argued that the bill invalidates Waqfs established by non-Muslims, creating suspicions and confusion.
BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan jumps to the defense of the amendments that adding non-Muslim members would make Waqf Boards more transparent and accountable. She also went on to show that the Union Government's intention is to resolve grievances regarding irregularity in the governance of Waqf properties and equal rule.
One urging the withdrawal of the bill was passed by Tamil Nadu Assembly in a resolution and Karnataka Legislative Assembly did the same on March 19.
