Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made a resolute declaration on Friday concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. In a statement that underscores his firm stance on religious and community properties, Thackeray proclaimed that neither the Waqf Board nor any temple or religious property will be interfered with under his watch.
“I am announcing that be it Waqf Board or any temple or other religious property, I will not let anyone touch those properties at any cost. This is my promise,” Thackeray declared, as reported by newswire ANI. His comments come amid ongoing political tensions and allegations surrounding the management and protection of religious assets.
Allegations of Gold Theft from Kedarnath
Thackeray’s statement also touched upon recent allegations made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand, who claimed that 228 kg of gold intended for the Kedarnath temple’s internal walls is missing. According to the Shankaracharya, this significant quantity of gold had been stolen, a claim that has stirred controversy.
The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has dismissed these allegations, urging Swami Avimukteshwaranand to present concrete evidence to authorities if he wishes to pursue his claims. Ajendra Ajay, the Temple Committee chairman, accused the Shankaracharya of pushing a “Congress agenda” and suggested that media confusion regarding the temple’s gold plating is part of a larger conspiracy.
Thackeray highlighted these allegations in his statement, framing the issue as one that extends beyond just the Waqf Board. “This is not a question of just the Board. It’s a matter of our temples also, as Shankaracharya says that 200 kg of gold was stolen from Kedarnath. That should also be investigated,” Thackeray added.
Criticism of BJP and Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Thackeray did not shy away from criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. He questioned why the bill was not passed when the BJP held an absolute majority in Parliament. Thackeray’s critique underscores ongoing political friction and reflects broader debates about the management and oversight of Waqf properties.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to amend existing regulations concerning Waqf properties, has been a contentious issue. The bill aims to address concerns about the administration and utilization of Waqf assets, but it has faced significant opposition and debate.
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Protests at Matoshree
Thackeray’s statements come in the wake of a protest held outside his residence, Matoshree, by a group of Muslims. The protesters were critical of the Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs’ absence during the tabling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The demonstrators chanted slogans like ‘vote lekar bhaag gaye,’ expressing their dissatisfaction with the Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs for not participating in the voting process on the bill. The protesters accused Thackeray and his party of neglecting their commitments to the Muslim community, highlighting the political and communal tensions surrounding the issue.
Political Repercussions
The unrest and dissatisfaction among the Muslim community reflect broader concerns about the political representation and accountability of elected leaders. Thackeray’s firm stance on protecting religious properties and his critique of the BJP’s handling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill indicate ongoing political maneuvering and disputes that could have significant implications for upcoming elections and community relations.
As the debate over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and related allegations continues, the situation remains fluid, with political leaders and community members alike closely watching developments. Thackeray’s pronouncements and the recent protests highlight the complex interplay between political commitments, community concerns, and legislative processes in contemporary Indian politics.
