NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin, along with DMK MLAs, wore black badges during the assembly session on Thursday in protest against the Waqf Board Amendment Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha early Wednesday morning.
Stalin condemned the bill, stating that despite widespread opposition, it was pushed through at 2am with the support of alliance parties, calling it an “attack on Indian democracy.”
Addressing the assembly, Stalin recalled, “On March 27, we passed a resolution unanimously, except for the BJP, in the Tamil Nadu assembly to take back the Waqf Board Amendment Bill, which is against the integrity of the Indian nation and for minorities.”
He further emphasised that “most political parties in India have opposed the bill” and criticised its passage in Parliament despite significant resistance. “232 Parliament members voted against it, and 288 voted in favor. It’s not a normal thing that despite its passing, 232 is the highest number. Numbers (against) would have increased. This amendment is not just to be opposed but should be fully taken back, is our view. That’s why we passed a resolution in the Assembly,” Stalin said.
Lashing out at the timing of the bill’s passage, Stalin remarked, “Despite the majority of political parties opposing it, the bill was passed at 2am with the help of some alliance parties. This is a blow against Indian democracy and an act to disturb religious things.” He further stated, “Considering this, today we wore black badges and came to the Assembly session. From DMK, we will approach the Supreme Court on this Waqf Amendment Bill.”
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also criticized the bill’s passage, claiming it was a ploy by the ruling government to divert public attention from the US reciprocal tariff announcement.
The Rajya Sabha is set to discuss the Waqf Amendment Bill at 1 PM on Thursday, with eight hours allocated for deliberations.
On Wednesday, following an intense debate, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, with members of the INDIA bloc strongly opposing it while the BJP and its allies defended it, arguing that the bill would enhance the efficiency and transparency of Waqf boards. The House continued its session beyond midnight, and Speaker Om Birla announced the division’s result: “Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favor of the proposal.”
The revised bill was introduced after incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which had reviewed the legislation initially introduced in August last year. The amendment seeks to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India, addressing shortcomings in the 1995 Act while modernizing the registration process and integrating technology for better record-keeping.
