Tamil Nadu Assembly Calls for Withdrawal of Waqf Bill

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday urging the Union government to withdraw the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raising concerns about its negative impact on the Muslim community.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized that the amendments to the Waqf Act would harm the rights of Muslim minorities and undermine constitutional guarantees. He pointed out that DMK representatives A. Raja and M.M. Abdullah were denied the chance to express their views during committee discussions, questioning the transparency of the process.

While major parties like AIADMK rallied behind the resolution, the BJP staged a walkout ahead of the vote. BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan defended the Bill, arguing it would address issues of Waqf property management and enhance women’s representation. However, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy dismissed these claims, calling the proposed changes an “economic assault” on the Muslim community.

PMK leader G.K. Mani suggested that the Bill proceed only after broad consensus among all stakeholders. The Assembly concluded its session by reaffirming its demand for the Union government to withdraw the Bill entirely.