Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Questions Shiv Sena (UBT) On Waqf Amendment Bill

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stirred political debate by questioning the stance of the Shiv Sena (UBT) on the Waqf Amendment Bill. He challenged UBT leaders, asking whether they would uphold the ideology of Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray or align with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in opposing the bill.

Fadnavis tweeted, “Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament tomorrow! Will Uddhav uphold the ideas of Balasaheb Thackeray’s Sena, or will he continue appeasing Rahul Gandhi?”

The UBT leadership has maintained strategic silence on the matter, reserving their official stance for the parliamentary discussion. Responding to Fadnavis' comments, Maharashtra Legislative Council Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve stated, “We will present our position in Parliament. However, why isn't anyone questioning NDA allies Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu about their stand on the Waqf bill?”

The Waqf Amendment Bill, which has undergone revisions following a joint parliamentary panel report, is scheduled for debate and passage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Sources indicate that after an eight-hour discussion, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will respond to the debate and seek parliamentary approval.

The issue was also brought up in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The bill, originally introduced last year, was sent for review to a joint parliamentary committee, which later recommended modifications. Following this, the Union Cabinet approved changes based on the committee’s suggestions.