Amid rising opposition from Muslim groups to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nawab Jan assured the community that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would protect their interests. Speaking at a “Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan” (Save the Constitution Conference) organized by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Jan urged unity in opposing the bill, which is currently under review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
“Chandrababu Naidu has always said he has two eyes — one Hindu and one Muslim. He believes that harm to one eye affects the whole body,” Jan said. He praised Naidu’s secular approach, stating, “Under Naidu’s rule, the benefits Muslims have received are unprecedented since Independence.”
Jan further claimed Naidu had been instrumental in sending the bill to the JPC, showing his commitment to fair representation for all religions. “Whether it is a Muslim, Hindu, or Christian institution, it should be managed by people of the same faith,” Jan stated, attributing this sentiment to Naidu.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has also appealed to leaders like Naidu and JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar to respect Muslim concerns and resist supporting what they term a “dangerous” legislation. The organization called for secular parties within the NDA to distance themselves from this bill, which they fear could impact the autonomy of Muslim institutions.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced in August 2024, has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition, who argue that it unfairly targets the Muslim community and threatens constitutional principles. The Joint Parliamentary Committee’s proceedings have been heated, with opposition members raising concerns about alleged bias in the organizations invited to discuss the bill.
