TN CM Stalin said the amendment would weaken the WAQF board of directors and its autonomy.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin spoke in Parliament. File | Picture source: Special arrangement

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Thursday that the WAQF (Amendment) bill should be opposed as it will undermine the operation of the WAQF board and affect its autonomy over time.

“This is against the constitution and the rights of minorities, rejecting religious freedom and the goals of the WAQF; [it is] Confusing and unnecessary. ”The Chief Minister said he proposed a resolution in Parliament urging the Centre to withdraw the bill entirely.

Mr Stalin accused the BJP government of adopting “ulterior motives” work on all issues, claiming that all its plans were intended to “betray a specific part of society.”

“The Citizenship Amendment of 2019 betrays Muslims and Sri Lankan Tamils. It (BJP) betrays non-Hindi-speaking countries by imposing Hindi. It opposes social justice and its function is affecting the interests of BCS, SCS and STS. [National] Educational policy opposes the marginalized part of society. We must oppose the WAQF (Amendment) bill because it is targeted at Muslims. ” he said.

Government intervention

Mr Stalin said the DMK and other political parties opposed the bill proposed in Parliament on 8 August 2024, trying to amend the WAQF Act because it would increase government intervention in the WAQF board and affect its autonomy and religious rights.

“After the opposition, it was called the Joint Parliamentary Committee. I want to record the adverse consequences of the amendment,” he said.

Mr Stalin explained: “There is a provision that requires that only those who have been relying on Islam for five years can grant their property for charitable use. This has led to concerns that the provision would invalidate non-Muslim WAQF property.”

He also said the amendments would pave the way for the restoration of government property identified as WAQF and accused the BJP-led government of creating separate boards for two Muslim departments.

“The bill cancels elections for WAQF board members and chairmen and allows the appointment of two non-Muslim members. This is equivalent to the government interfering with the religious government of Muslims,” ​​he said.

“Oppose Article 26”

Mr Stalin said the proposal to remove Section 40 of the WAQF Act would transfer the right to claim a proof of property rights over the government. He added: “This is a violation of Article 26 of the Constitution.”

He also said the plan to remove the “User WAQF” hurts Muslims because it would deny recognition of property used as religious or charitable activities of WAQF.

Mr Stalin said the application of the “restrictive law” in WAQF properties does not allow WAQF as a charity and donation of WAQF. “The government did not understand that these regulations were opposition from Muslims,” ​​he said.