TD Leaders Vow to Protect Waqf Act

 Vijayawada: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) AP has demanded the cancellation of proposed amendments to the Waqf Act by the Central government, calling for enhanced protection of Waqf properties. The organisation urged all political parties to oppose the amendments. JIH held the Waqf Parirakshana Maha Sabha-Chalo Vijayawada on Sunday to voice opposition, where large numbers of minorities and leaders from Telugu Desam (TD) and YSRC participated.

Addressing the gathering, TD Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath assured the Muslim community that Telugu Desam would not support any amendments to the Waqf Act that conflict with their interests. He emphasised that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is committed to protecting Waqf properties to benefit the Muslim community. Sivanath highlighted that Telugu Desam’s stance led to the Waqf Board Amendment Act being referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, following Naidu’s initiatives.

TD Narasaraopet MP Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu expressed his support for the public gathering against the Waqf Board Amendment Act, assuring the attendees that he would convey their concerns to the Chief Minister and the central government. He pledged to uphold the rights of Muslims and safeguard Waqf properties. TD leader and former AP Legislative Council chairman MA. Sharif also voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments, affirming that they would advocate for the repeal of contentious changes through Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership.

YSRC Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy stated that YSRC opposes the Waqf Amendment Bill, which he claimed contradicts Muslim traditions, adding that YS Jagan always stands in support of Muslims. He criticised TD MP and Union minister K. Rammohan Naidu for not opposing the bill when it was introduced in the cabinet, asserting that, under Article 75 of the Constitution, any minister who disagrees with such legislation should resign. Reddy stated that YSRC had submitted an official note of dissent, opposing eight points in the Waqf amendment. He assured that YSRC would continue to support Muslims until the objectionable amendments are rescinded.