Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Protests Waqf Bill, Calls It an “Attack on Indian Democracy”
Chennai, April 4: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, along with DMK MLAs, staged a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by wearing black badges during the Assembly session on Thursday. Stalin strongly condemned the bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha early Wednesday morning, calling it an “attack on Indian democracy.”
Addressing the Assembly, Stalin recalled that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution on March 27, urging the withdrawal of the bill. “We unanimously passed a resolution—except for the BJP—stating that this bill goes against the integrity of India and the interests of minorities,” he said.
Stalin criticized the manner in which the bill was passed, highlighting that despite significant opposition, it was approved with the support of alliance parties. “Most political parties in India have opposed the bill. It is condemnable that it was passed in Parliament despite strong resistance. A total of 232 MPs voted against it, the highest number in recent times. If given more time, the opposition would have increased. We firmly believe this amendment should not just be opposed but completely withdrawn,” he stated.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the timing of the bill’s passage, Stalin said, “Despite strong opposition from major political parties, the ruling government, with the support of some alliance partners, passed the bill at 2 AM. This is a direct assault on Indian democracy and an attempt to create religious divisions.”
Stalin also announced that the DMK would challenge the bill in the Supreme Court. “Considering the seriousness of this issue, we have decided to approach the Supreme Court against this amendment,” he added.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also criticized the bill’s timing and intent, alleging that it was a diversionary tactic by the ruling government to shift 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 deliberation.
The bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha after a marathon debate, has been strongly opposed by members of the INDIA bloc, while the BJP and its allies have defended it as a step towards transparency and better governance of Waqf boards. Speaker Om Birla announced the results of the division vote: “Subject to correction, Ayes 288, Noes 232. The majority is in favor of the proposal.”
The government introduced the bill after incorporating recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the original draft introduced in August last year. The amendment seeks to reform the 1995 Waqf Act by improving the administration of Waqf properties, streamlining the registration process, and enhancing the use of technology for record management.
