"I won't let anyone touch those properties', warns Uddhav Thackeray on Waqf Board row

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray finally addressed the contentious Waqf Board Amendment Bill on Friday, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond just Waqf Boards and impacts temple properties as well. The former Maharashtra Chief Minister warned, "I promise I will not let anyone touch those properties," signaling his strong stance on the matter.

Thackeray also questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not passing the Waqf Amendment Bill despite having an absolute majority in Parliament. His remarks come amidst growing concerns and protests about the bill, which has sparked debates on property rights concerning religious institutions.

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech, where the PM advocated for a Uniform Civil Code, Thackeray took a sharp dig, asking, "Has Narendra Modi given up Hindutva?" This remark highlights the ongoing discourse within the political landscape about the intersection of religion and governance in India.

Thackeray also demanded an investigation into the allegations made by Sankaracharya regarding 200 kg of gold purportedly stolen from the Kedarnath temple, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debates about religious property management.

Despite the uproar over the Waqf Board Amendment Bill, Thackeray had remained silent until now, even though Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant is part of the central government's committee on the Waqf Board issue. Recently, agitations were held outside Thackeray’s residence, 'Matoshree,' in Mumbai, with protestors demanding clarity on his position.