VIJAYAWADA/TIRUPATI: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is part of the NDA government at the Centre, has proposed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny. Following the introduction of the bill by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, TDP MP Ganti Harish Mathur from Amalapuram suggested that the bill should undergo a detailed review if there are any concerns.
Despite being part of the NDA, the TDP is cautious about alienating minority communities. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had committed to protecting minority rights in the lead-up to elections.
In contrast, the YSRC has voiced strong opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. YSRC floor leader PV Mithun Reddy in the Lok Sabha has called on the Union government to consult the Muslim community before proceeding with the bill, echoing criticisms from AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi.
The YSRC's stance is not surprising given its significant minority support base. “As a secular party, we oppose this non-secular bill,” stated Amzath Basha Shaik Bepari, a senior YSRC leader and former deputy chief minister. He emphasized that Waqf properties, which consist of lands donated to support mosques and dargahs, should be managed in a manner that preserves their intended purpose. When asked about the YSRC's previous support for NDA bills, Amzath Basha clarified that their support had been issue-based.