A protest took place outside “Matoshree,” the residence of Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, in Bandra today. Hundreds of Muslim community members gathered to express their dissatisfaction over the absence of nine Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray faction during the recent presentation of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament.
Muslims Protest Outside "#Matoshree" Over Absence of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray Faction) MPs During #Waqf Amendment Bill Discussion pic.twitter.com/T5m5rNhog7
— THE HINDUSTAN GAZETTE (@THGEnglish) August 11, 2024
The Waqf Amendment Bill, a crucial piece of legislation affecting the management and administration of Waqf properties, has sparked significant debate and concern within the Muslim community. The absence of these MPs, who are expected to represent the interests of their constituents, particularly in matters of such importance, has been met with anger and disappointment.
Protesters, carrying placards and chanting slogans, demanded an explanation from Uddhav Thackeray regarding the absence of his party’s MPs during the bill’s discussion. Many protesters expressed their concern that the absence of these MPs from such a critical debate indicates a lack of commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the Muslim community in Maharashtra and across India.
Leaders of the protest called for greater accountability from the Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray faction, emphasizing that the community would not tolerate neglect on issues that directly impact their religious and cultural heritage.
“We voted for these representatives with the hope that they would stand by us in Parliament, especially when our rights are being debated. Their absence is a betrayal,” said one of the protest leaders.
