Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has strongly criticized the Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction for its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, accusing them of abandoning the core principles of Hindutva and the ideological vision of Shiv Sena founder, Balasaheb Thackeray. Shinde’s remarks came in the wake of the heated debate surrounding the bill’s passage, which has sparked significant political controversy.
In a pointed statement, Shinde stated, “Shiv Sena UBT has shown its true face by opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill. They have totally given up on Hindutva and the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. This is unfortunate… They have committed the biggest crime yesterday.” He continued, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, claiming that Uddhav Thackeray’s faction had betrayed the foundational values of the party. “Their supporters and allies are ashamed,” Shinde added, underscoring his disappointment with the Shiv Sena UBT’s stance on the issue.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to overhaul the management of Waqf properties, aiming to eliminate monopolies over these assets and ensure their fair distribution. Shinde, a key member of the Shiv Sena faction aligned with the BJP, defended the bill, stating that it would dismantle the control of a few individuals over Waqf properties. He further added, “This amendment bill will abolish the monopoly of a handful of people on the Waqf properties,” portraying it as a step toward ensuring transparency and fairness in religious and charitable institutions.
Shinde also took aim at the Congress party, accusing them of wanting to keep the poor marginalized. “Congress wants the poor to remain poor,” he remarked, aligning the opposition to the bill with what he described as the party’s historical record of undermining the interests of the downtrodden.
In his comments, Shinde also targeted Uddhav Thackeray directly, stating that the Shiv Sena UBT chief had echoed the sentiments of Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). “Uddhav Thackeray said what Asaduddin Owaisi said,” Shinde claimed, suggesting that the Shiv Sena UBT was aligning itself with forces that were not in line with the interests of Maharashtra or its people.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf properties, has become a contentious issue, with several political factions expressing differing views. While the BJP and its allies, including Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena, support the bill as a necessary step for transparency and fairness, the Shiv Sena UBT and other opposition parties have raised concerns over its potential impact on religious institutions and community rights.
Shinde’s remarks reflect the deepening political rift between the factions of Shiv Sena, with the ruling coalition firmly backing the bill as a move toward modernizing governance, while the opposition, led by Uddhav Thackeray, continues to oppose it, accusing the government of overreach.
