uddhav-thackeray-vows-to-protect-all-waqf-properties

Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has recently made a strong statement regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. His remarks follow a series of protests outside his residence, Matoshree, by a group of Muslims who were dissatisfied with his party's stance on the bill.

 

In his address, Thackeray made a firm pledge regarding religious properties. He declared that he would not allow anyone to interfere with Waqf Board properties or any other religious sites, emphasising his commitment to protect these assets at all costs.

 

His statement reflects his broader concern about the management and protection of religious properties, not limited to the Waqf Board but extending to temples and other sacred sites.

 

The controversy around the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has been a point of contention, particularly with its implications for the management and oversight of Waqf properties.

 

Thackeray's remarks come in response to criticism and questions about his party’s role and stance on the bill. He pointedly questioned why the bill had not been passed when the BJP held a strong majority in Parliament, indicating his dissatisfaction with the handling of the issue by the current government.

 

In addition to his comments on the Waqf Bill, Thackeray also addressed allegations made by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand regarding the theft of gold from the Kedarnath temple.

 

Swami Avimukteshwaranand had claimed that 228 kg of gold, intended for the temple's interior, was missing. This claim has been met with scepticism, and the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has dismissed the allegations, urging that any evidence should be presented to the authorities.

 

Thackeray’s remarks also included criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the handling of the Waqf Bill. His statement follows protests by Muslims outside Matoshree, where they voiced frustration over Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs' absence during the bill’s discussion in the Lok Sabha.

 

Protesters accused Thackeray and his party of failing to represent their interests and demanded explanations for the party’s lack of participation in the voting process.

 

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was ultimately referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further examination after extensive debate. This development reflects ongoing tensions and disagreements surrounding the management of religious properties and the legislative process involved.