Waqf Amendment Row: Eknath Shinde Criticizes Uddhav Thackeray’s Remarks, Defends Bill

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday responded sharply to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray’s opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill, alleging that Thackeray is echoing rhetoric similar to Mohammad Ali Jinnah and is acting under the influence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Shinde made the remarks following a press conference held by Uddhav Thackeray, where the former chief minister had questioned the Waqf Board-related amendments and their broader implications.

Shinde’s Response and Remarks

Speaking to the media, Shinde said,

Uddhav Thackeray’s stand on the Waqf Amendment appears to be an attempt at political damage control. His views are no longer aligned with the Hindutva ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray.

Shinde also made a pointed comment, asking whether “UT” now stands for ‘Use and Throw’, in reference to shifting political alignments.

He emphasized that Balasaheb Thackeray always distinguished between nationalist Muslims and anti-national elements, and that this principle continues to guide the stance of both Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the BJP.

About the Waqf Amendment Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to bring stricter regulation and transparency to the management of Waqf properties across the country. According to Shinde, the bill is intended to prevent illegal encroachment and misuse of Waqf lands, and to ensure that economically weaker sections of the Muslim community benefit from them.

Thackeray, in his earlier comments, raised concerns over the intent and implementation of the bill, suggesting that it could be used to unfairly target minority interests.