VIJAYAWADA: The TDP, which is a key partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, seems to be cautious in taking a stand on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The TDP, which has been maintaining that it will not compromise on the interests of Muslim minorities, is keeping its cards close to the chest in connection with the Waqf Bill, which is likely to be discussed once again in the winter session of Parliament.
Revealing that TDP supremo and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised at a meeting with the elders of the Muslim community on October 23, and promised to protect their interests, Minority Welfare Minister N Md Farooq claimed that Naidu was instrumental behind sending the Wakf (Amendment) Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Speaking to TNIE, Farooq maintained that the TDP despite being an ally of the BJP, has never compromised on the interests of Muslim minorities, and will continue the stand in the future also as it is committed to their welfare.
“In fact, the State government has constituted a 15-member committee headed by an IAS officer on the issue. It includes officials from Minority Welfare and Waqf Board, representatives of Advocates Association and voluntary organisations working for the rights and welfare of Muslims.
The committee has already raised objections and made suggestions at the JPC meeting held under the chairmanship of Jagadambika Pal recently,” the Minority Welfare Minister said.
We will consider all views on Waqf Bill, says TDP MP
Meanwhile, at ‘Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan’ organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind in New Delhi on Sunday, TDP leader Ameer Babu while saying that the Union government is seriously trying to bring in the Waqf Bill, described Naidu as a secular-minded leader.
Ameer Babu quoted the reported statement of Chandrababu Naidu that “Hindus and Muslims are two eyes of the body, any harm done to one eye affects the whole body, and I can’t tolerate this.”
Ameer Babu maintained that under no circumstance, their leader would let a Bill that harms Muslims’ interests be implemented. On the other hand, participating in a programme held by Jamaat-e-Islami in Vijayawada, Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party leader and Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said the Muslim community came together and raised a few concerns and made some suggestions regarding the Waqf Bill.
“We are here to listen to all of that. As a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, I need to take suggestions from every quarter. Some valuable suggestions have been given by the various members coming from all over AP. We will take those suggestions, and put them across at the right platform,” he said.