“Nothing but political opportunism…”: Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes BJP over Waqf Bill, Calls out ‘Double Standards'

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of using the Waqf Bill to fuel communal politics. He claimed that the BJP’s stance on the issue would "put Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah to shame" and challenged the party to remove green from its flag if it opposed Muslims.

“The concern shown by the BJP and its allies for Muslims is hypocritical. Even Kiren Rijiju, who once defended eating ‘gaumaas’ (beef), introduced this bill. This is nothing but political opportunism,” Thackeray said at a press conference.

The Waqf Amendment Bill, passed after a 12-hour debate in the Lok Sabha, grants the government greater control over Waqf properties and related disputes. It marks the BJP’s second major intervention in Muslim community affairs, following the 2019 ban on triple talaq.

Clarifying his stance, Thackeray said he was not against the bill itself but opposed the BJP’s alleged hidden agenda. He claimed the legislation was designed to take over Waqf land and hand it to industrialists close to the ruling party.

“I have not supported or opposed the bill. My issue is with BJP’s double standards. While some aspects of the bill are positive, it should not be used for political gains. This has nothing to do with Hindutva,” he asserted.

Shifting focus to national security, Thackeray questioned the Modi government’s priorities. He pointed to China’s alleged incursions in Ladakh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), accusing the BJP of ignoring pressing territorial concerns. “Is the government only worried about Waqf Board land? What about PoK? What about Chinese intrusion in Ladakh? Why is there no action on these issues?” he asked.

Responding to BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, who had questioned whether Shiv Sena (UBT) followed Bal Thackeray’s ideology or Rahul Gandhi’s, Thackeray hit back strongly. “Will Fadnavis follow Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ideology or Jinnah’s? He was a child when Balasaheb Thackeray allocated land in BKC for Muslim prayers, which was later used for the bullet train project under his tenure. He doesn’t understand Balasaheb’s ideology, so he shouldn’t lecture us,” Thackeray said.​