Uddhav Thackeray Slams BJP Over Waqf Board Reform Bill, Calls for Accountability on Temple Land Issues
Mumbai: In a sharp critique aimed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray questioned the government’s intentions and actions regarding the Waqf Board Reform Bill during the Mahavikas Aghadi meeting in Mumbai. Thackeray accused the BJP of stoking communal tensions by pretending to introduce the bill despite having a clear majority in Parliament.
Thackeray pointed out that the Shiv Sena MPs were absent when the bill was presented, as they were with him in Delhi. “If the bill was truly up for discussion, my MPs would have voiced their opinions. Whether it’s about the Waqf Board or the land of a temple, if any religious property is being illegally taken over, we will not allow it,” Thackeray stated in the meeting.
He went on to challenge the BJP’s commitment to Hindutva, questioning why the Waqf Board Bill was introduced if the BJP already had the majority needed to pass it. “If Prime Minister Modi advocates for a uniform civil code, does that mean he has abandoned Hindutva? You’ve allied with leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, who do not believe in Hindutva. Then do you leave Hindutva? So why bring this bill up to create discord among us? You had the majority—why didn’t you have the courage to pass it?” Thackeray asked the central government.
Thackeray also raised concerns about the transparency and intentions behind other government actions, such as demonetization. He noted that during the demonetisation process, the government acted unilaterally without consulting allies, including the Shiv Sena, yet expected unquestioning support. “So why the pretence with the Waqf Board Bill?” he questioned.
In a broader critique, Thackeray demanded a comprehensive investigation into encroachments on temple lands, questioning the number of politicians involved. He referenced ongoing legal battles, such as the one in Marathwada and the one in Beed, and expressed scepticism about the motives behind the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “The sacrifices made by Karsevaks—were they for Lodha, Adani, Ramdev Baba, or Sri Sri Ravi Shankar? The temple built in Ayodhya is already leaking. What did we gain from this? Form a Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate the land acquisitions in Ayodhya—this issue extends beyond the Waqf Board to our temples as well,” Thackeray demanded.
Thackeray didn’t stop there; he also called for an inquiry into the alleged theft of 200–250 kg of gold from the Kedarnath temple, pressing the government for accountability. He suggested that if the Modi government’s guarantees are failing and the BJP is trying to put him in a difficult position, the public won’t be easily swayed. “If you’re trying to ignite tensions between Hindus or different communities for political gain, the people will reject you,” Thackeray warned.
Further, Thackeray criticised the state government’s inability to increase the reservation limit, stating that only the Lok Sabha has the authority to do so, with approval from the Supreme Court. He urged the government to introduce the Maratha Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, ensuring that OBCs and Dhangars receive their due reservations. “The Mahavikas Aghadi will support that bill,” he said.
Thackeray cautioned the BJP against using divisive tactics to gain political advantage. “If you attempt to incite conflict among Hindus and other communities, you will face severe consequences,” he warned, stressing that the people of Maharashtra will not tolerate such strategies.
