The Shiv Sena has witnessed another round of internal conflict, with MP Naresh Mhaske accusing party chief Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Mhaske, in a video statement, alleged that Thackeray’s opposition to the bill stems from a desire to appease Muslim voters, who have traditionally been a strong support base for the party. He further criticized Thackeray’s condemnation of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple land development, claiming it to be a betrayal of Balasaheb Thackeray’s firm stance against the Waqf Board, which he advocated for dissolving and reclaiming illegally encroached land.
In response to the Waqf Bill criticism, Thackeray had vowed to protect all religious properties, including temples, from any interference. He emphasized that the matter extends beyond the Waqf Board and encompasses the protection of temples, citing the theft of 200 kg of gold from Kedarnath as an example requiring investigation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to streamline the administration of Waqf properties, which are religious endowments under Islamic law. The bill proposes a broad-based composition for the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards, ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims. Key provisions include ensuring inheritance rights for women, establishing separate boards for Bohras and Aghakhanis, and representing various Muslim communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Bohras, Agakhanis, and other backward classes. The bill also seeks to clearly define ‘Waqf’ as an endowment by a person practicing Islam for at least five years who owns the property in question. However, the controversial aspect of the bill lies in the omission of section 40, which previously granted the board the power to determine whether a property was owned by Waqf. This omission has raised concerns about the potential for abuse and the lack of clarity regarding property ownership.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf Bill highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding religious property management and interfaith relations in India. The Shiv Sena’s internal rift, fueled by opposing stances on the bill and the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, underscores the delicate balance between religious sensitivities and political expediency.
