Uddhav Thackeray Breaks Silence On Waqf Board Amendment Bill, Strongly Defends Temples, Property Rights
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has clearly stated his views against the Waqf Board Amendment Bill, reportedly saying that his concern indeed transcends the Waqf Board; it includes protecting properties of temples. In a statement issued on Friday, Thackeray has made it clear that he would not leave any stone unturned to protect these religious properties from being encroached upon. Thackeray has made these comments at a time when the Waqf Board Amendment Bill is embroiling the state in a war of words over controversies and is being considered a controversial phase in the recent political discussions. The bill pertains to changes in the management and monitoring of the properties under Waqf Board purview, and it is receiving criticism and opposition from various quarters.
BJP, Modi Slammed: Thackeray
Thackeray’s criticism was also directly against the BJP and its leadership. He raised the question of why the Waqf Amendment Bill had not been implemented so far when most MPs belong to the BJP. Now, this casts serious aspersions upon Thackeray for how the whole politics of the bill was being handled.
Further adding to the political heat was the reaction of Thackeray after the Prime Minister’s I-Day speech, in which he appealed for a civil code. Coming down sharply on the speech, Thackeray questioned if Modi, who for long had been promoting the cause of Hindutva, asking for a civil code, was a change from its earlier stand. This comment is an example of the continuing ideological war in Indian politics and brings out Thackeray’s strategic positioning in the prevailing scenes.
Kedarnath Temple Rehabilitation Charges
Besides taking a similar stand on the Waqf Board Amendment Bill, Thackeray has also sought a probe into the charges leveled by Shankaracharya over the alleged theft of 200 kg of gold from the Kedarnath temple. All this call for a probe on the charges canvassed by Shankaracharya is resonant with the fundamental issue of religious properties needing better handling and proper transparency being brought into that file of administration.
The main centre of pilgrimage, Kedarnath temple, has been consistently embroiled in controversy on charges of mismanagement and theft. In calling for an inquiry, Thackeray demands clarification on these charges and pins accountability, thereby strengthening the cause of religious and property rights of temples.
Protests and Reaction from Parties
Thackeray had so far remained silent on the Waqf Board Amendment Bill following heavy protests by different groups in the city, mainly outside his Mumbai residence, Matoshree. Protests outside Matoshree were probably a huge cause of concern to Thackeray, which could have ultimately prompted this latest response meant to ease concerns over the issue.
Thackeray further spelt out his party’s stand with respect to the post of chief minister of the Maha Vikas Aghadi that has been formed by the Congress, NCP(SP), and Shiv Sena(UBT). He said he has liked the stand that any candidate who shall be nominated by the Congress and NCP(SP) shall be accepted by the MVA as the chief ministerial candidate. This position shows willingness on the part of Thackeray to work with his colleagues in the coalition and for the collective interest of MVA than individual parties and ambitions.
Call for Unity Among MVA Cadres
Thackeray had also in his address an appeal to the MVA cadres for the greater objectives of protecting the pride and respect of Maharashtra. A call for unity within the coalition comes at a time when resorting to unitedly fighting off other political rivals becomes paramount.
Thackeray will be requiring the members under the MVA to have a rise above personal interests and take up a stronger position by the coalition for effective governance. Such a cohesion call is important for the stability and further success of MVA, especially in the resultant complex political challenges.
Final Thoughts
Uddhav Thackeray’s recent comments on the Waqf Board Amendment Bill and other issues have been strategic in the sense that they are aimed at really underlining his stand on political and public concerns. A firm political stand to protect temple properties and a critical view on the BJP and Prime Minister Modi and also a call for investigation on charges of theft in the famous Kedarnath Temple spell out his commitment to the cause of safeguarding religious and property rights.
Given the political condition is so fluid, Thackeray would be observed very carefully by his supporters and critiques. The fact that he has been placing a lot of emphasis on unity within the MVA, being ready for contentious battles, seems to be an attempt at serious learning with the priority to be inculcating the Indian political tangle while taking care not to compromise the values and interests of his party.
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