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Key Points

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, citing serious concerns about its potential impact on Muslim minority rights. The proposed amendments, according to Stalin, would dangerously erode religious autonomy and constitutional protections for the Muslim community. Stalin highlighted specific problematic provisions, including the inclusion of non-Muslim board members and restrictive donation clauses. The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has already unanimously passed a resolution calling for the complete withdrawal of this controversial bill.

Key Points: Stalin Urges Modi to Halt Waqf Bill Threatening Muslim Rights

  • Stalin highlights threat to minority religious autonomy
  • Proposed bill undermines constitutional protections
  • Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously opposes amendment
  • Changes could disrupt syncretic cultural fabric
2 min read

'Intervene to protect Muslims': MK Stalin urges PM Modi to withdraw Waqf (Amendment) Bill

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin challenges proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warns of potential constitutional and religious autonomy violations

"PM Modi should personally intervene to protect the rights of Muslim minorities - M.K. Stalin"

Chennai, April 2

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to protect the rights of Muslims and withdraw the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, currently under discussion in the Lok Sabha.

“PM Modi should personally intervene to protect the rights of Muslim minorities and ensure the preservation of Waqf institutions. Existing 1995 Act is sufficient to safeguard Waqf interests,” the Chief Minister, in a letter, requested the Prime Minister.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the potential implications of the Bill on the rights of the Muslim community and the functioning of Waqf Boards.

M.K. Stalin emphasised that Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of safeguarding minority rights and promoting religious harmony.

He argued that the amendments undermine the constitutional guarantee that allows every citizen to practice their religion freely and without interference.

“The proposed changes to the Waqf Act, 1995, overlook the constitutional protections granted to minorities and are likely to seriously impact the interests of the Muslim community,” he wrote.

The Chief Minister noted that the current Waqf Act has stood the test of time and includes robust mechanisms for protecting Waqf properties. However, he warned that the amendments would weaken the authority and responsibilities of Waqf Boards, thereby endangering the effective management and preservation of these religious and charitable assets.

Highlighting specific concerns, M.K. Stalin cited the proposed inclusion of two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards, which he said would erode the community’s religious autonomy.

He also criticised the removal of the ‘Waqf by user’ clause, stating that it would jeopardise the status of numerous historical properties.

Additionally, a new clause mandating that only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years can donate to Waqf institutions would deter contributions from non-Muslims, thereby disrupting India’s syncretic culture, he argued.

M.K. Stalin pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution on March 27 calling for the complete withdrawal of the Bill.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Appreciate CM Stalin standing up for minority rights. The Waqf Act has worked fine for decades - why fix what isn't broken? 👏
P
Priya M.
While I respect the CM's concerns, maybe having some non-Muslim members could bring fresh perspectives? As long as the majority remains Muslim, it might help with transparency.
S
Suresh V.
Tamil Nadu showing the way again! Religious harmony shouldn't be compromised for political gains. The 1995 Act has protected Waqf properties well enough.
A
Ayesha R.
As a Muslim, I'm grateful for leaders who speak up for our community. The 'Waqf by user' clause removal is particularly worrying - so many historical mosques could be affected! 😟
K
Karthik N.
Respectfully disagree with some points here. The bill aims to modernize Waqf management. The 5-year rule for donations seems reasonable to prevent misuse. But good discussion is happening!
M
Meena S.
Interesting to see state vs center perspectives on this. The unanimous TN assembly resolution shows how strongly people feel about protecting minority institutions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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