Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 3 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, along with other DMK MLAs, wore black badges during the Assembly session on Thursday as a mark of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Stalin asserted that the bill, despite facing widespread opposition, was passed at 2 a.m. with the support of alliance parties, calling it an “attack on Indian democracy.”
Addressing the Assembly, CM Stalin said, “On March 27, we passed a resolution unanimously—except 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 minorities.”
He further added, “Most political parties in India have opposed the bill. It is severely condemnable that this bill was passed in Parliament despite much opposition. Two hundred thirty-two Parliament members voted against it, and 288 members voted in favor of it. It’s not a normal thing that, despite its passing, 232 is the highest number of opposing votes. Those numbers could have increased. This amendment is not just to be opposed but should be fully taken back. That’s why we passed a resolution in the Assembly.”
“Despite the majority of political parties opposing it, the bill was passed with the help of some alliance parties by early morning at 2 a.m. This is a blow to Indian democracy and an act to disturb religious harmony,” he said while addressing the Assembly.
Stalin added, “So, 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.”
Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also criticized the timing and intent behind the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that the legislation was a ruse by the ruling government to divert attention from the US reciprocal tariff announcement.
The Rajya Sabha will take up the Waqf Amendment Bill for discussion around 1 p.m., with eight hours allocated for the debate.
On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, after a marathon and heated debate, during which members of the INDIA bloc fiercely opposed the legislation, while the BJP and its allies strongly supported it, arguing that it would bring transparency and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards.
The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation. Speaker Om Birla later announced the division’s result: “Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favor of the proposal,” he said.
The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India.
It aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. (ANI)
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