‘Balasaheb Thackeray had also opposed Waqf’: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Wednesday extended his support to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, asserting that the opposition is misleading people by claiming the bill is against Muslims.
Speaking to ANI, Mhaske said, “The Opposition is spreading misinformation that the Waqf Amendment Bill is against Muslims only for their own gains… Balasaheb Thackeray had also opposed Waqf. Sanjay Raut is a liar and a puppet of Rahul Gandhi.”
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday took up the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for consideration. The bill, first introduced in August last year, incorporates recommendations made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Backing the amendments, BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh emphasized the need for reforms, stating, “This bill needs improvement as it is becoming outdated. There is a demand for timely changes so that the public benefits. PM Modi’s government wants poor Muslims to benefit from this bill… but Akhilesh Yadav is opposing it because he does not want this.”
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva also criticized those opposing the bill, saying, “I feel pity for their mentality. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to restore the rights of those who have been deprived. It was introduced in August last year and was reviewed by the JPC, which received suggestions from across India.” He further added, “If poor Muslims benefit from this bill and their development happens, I don’t understand what the opposition has to object to.”
Supporting the government’s move, Maharashtra Minority Commission chairman Pyare Khan stated that the bill ensures rights for poor Muslims. “No government has ever truly worked for Muslims. If they had, the condition of Muslims in this country would not be like this. Now that the government is taking steps to grant them their rights, we should welcome it rather than oppose it,” he said.