Eknath Shinde criticises opposition MPs for ‘double standards’ on Waqf Bill

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has strongly criticised opposition MPs for their stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill calling it a clear display of double standards Shinde asserted that his government remains committed to preserving the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and ensuring its continuityAccording to ANI Shinde stated This is double standards We are working to uphold and further the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray Those who follow a different path have been shown their place by the people in the electionsHis remarks come in response to multiple opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 submitting dissent notes against the bill which is set to be tabled in Parliament during the Budget sessionANI reports that eleven opposition MPs have raised objections to the bill including Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and members from parties such as the Trinamool Congress TMC Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam DMK and Congress These leaders submitted joint dissent notes expressing their concerns about the amendmentsThe JPC on the Waqf Amendment Bill adopted the draft report along with the revised bill on Wednesday Following this JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal praised the committee members for their significant contributions stating that extensive consultations had taken place over the past five months including multiple meetings and discussions with delegations across the countryBJP leaders including MP Dr Radha Mohan Das Agrawal strongly criticised the oppositions stance on the bill claiming that it is in their DNA to oppose the governmentANI further reports that Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske highlighted how all 44 resolutions within the bill were debated and voted upon He accused the opposition of misleading the public by falsely portraying the bill as antiMuslimThis bill is for the welfare of the nation and to uplift underprivileged Muslims The opposition falsely claimed that it was against the community and played politics with the issue Balasaheb Thackeray had always demanded the dissolution of the Waqf Board Ironically his socalled successor Uddhav Thackerayrsquos close aide Arvind Sawant opposed all 44 resolutions of the bill Mhaske saidHe also expressed gratitude to Sharad Pawar for supporting the bill while condemning Uddhav Thackeray for his opposition to it Mhaske further noted that numerous government projects have been delayed due to land disputes linked to the Waqf BoardParliamentrsquos budget session and Waqf Bill deliberationsThe Budget session of Parliament will begin on February 1 during which the government will outline its legislative agenda including discussions on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 Meanwhile opposition parties are expected to raise concerns over inflation and unemploymentANI reports that President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of Parliament to mark the beginning of the session The Economic Survey will be presented on February 1 ahead of the Union Budget on February 2Previously ANI reported that on January 10 ten opposition MPs were suspended for a day following disruptions during the JPCrsquos deliberations on the bill The suspended MPs included leaders from Congress DMK TMC and AIMIM among othersThe Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 seeks to introduce key reforms including digitisation of records enhanced audits increased transparency and legal mechanisms to address encroachments on Waqf properties The bill is expected to be presented during the Budget session following an extension of the JPCrsquos term during the winter sessionWith inputs from PTI