Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin strongly opposed the passage of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. He announced that his party would approach the Supreme Court to challenge the Bill. Stalin, who wore a black badge in the Assembly to protest against the Bill, called the adoption of the amendment at 2 am a serious issue. He stated that this decision was made “at the behest of a few allies,” despite the strong opposition from most major parties in India.
Stalin criticized the timing of the Bill’s passage, saying it was done when many key parties were against it, and he viewed it as an attack on the constitutional structure of the country. He emphasized that the DMK’s legal challenge would focus on how the amendment undermines India’s democratic principles.
The Waqf Bill seeks to make changes to the management of Waqf properties, and while the government believes it will bring necessary reforms, Stalin and other critics argue that it undermines the rights of state governments. Stalin expressed concern that the Bill would give the Centre more control over Waqf properties, potentially bypassing state authority.
In his speech, Stalin reaffirmed that the DMK would continue to fight against what they see as an unconstitutional move. He appealed to all those who believe in federalism and the protection of state rights to support their cause. Stalin’s actions, including the black badge, were meant to highlight his party’s firm stance against the Bill.
The DMK has made it clear that they will use all legal avenues to challenge the Bill, and Stalin’s remarks suggest that the party will remain vocal in its opposition to what they consider an attack on state autonomy and the Constitution.
