Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday broke his silence regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. In a strongly worded statement, Thackeray declared that he would not allow anyone to interfere with Waqf Board properties, temples, or any other religious properties under any circumstances. “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 stated, as reported by newswire ANI.
Concerns Raised Over Allegations of Gold Theft in Kedarnath
Thackeray also echoed the concerns raised by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand regarding the alleged theft of 200 kg of gold from the Kedarnath temple. “This is not just a question of the Board; it’s a matter concerning our temples too, as Shankaracharya says that 200 kg of gold was stolen from Kedarnath. That should also be investigated,” the former Chief Minister insisted.
Targeting the Prime Minister Over the Bill
Thackeray did not hold back in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning why the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was not passed earlier when the BJP held an absolute majority in Parliament. His comments came in the wake of growing tension surrounding the bill.
Allegations by Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Last month, Swami Avimukteshwaranand made headlines by alleging that 228 kg of gold, intended for the lining of the internal walls of the Kedarnath temple, had gone missing. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee dismissed these claims, urging the Shankaracharya to approach the authorities with any evidence. Temple Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay accused the Shankaracharya of pushing a political agenda aligned with the Congress by making baseless accusations, which he termed as part of a conspiracy.
Muslim Protest Outside Matoshree
Thackeray’s statements come just days after a group of Muslims protested outside his residence, Matoshree, over the absence of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs during the tabling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha. The protesters, who raised slogans like “vote lekar bhaag gaye” (took votes and ran away), demanded an explanation from Thackeray for his party’s MPs abstaining from the vote.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, however, was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following a heated debate in Parliament.
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