TN CM Stalin Urges PM Modi To Withdraw Waqf Bill 2024: 'Proposed Changes Will Dilute The Very Spirit...'

In a letter addressed to PM Modi on Waqf Bill 2024, Stalin cited concerns over its potential impact on the Muslim community and the autonomy of Waqf institutions.

Stalin specifically opposed the proposal to mandate the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards, arguing that such a move would undermine the community’s religious autonomy.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, citing concerns over its potential impact on the Muslim community and the autonomy of Waqf institutions. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Stalin emphasised that Tamil Nadu has always been at the forefront of safeguarding the rights of minorities, ensuring religious harmony, and upholding constitutional protections.

CM Writes To PM

The Chief Minister pointed out that the amendments suggested in the bill could significantly weaken the existing provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995, which has effectively safeguarded Waqf properties for decades. He raised concerns that the changes would dilute the authority of State Waqf Boards, making it harder for them to manage and protect endowments meant for religious and charitable purposes. Stalin specifically opposed the proposal to mandate the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards, arguing that such a move would undermine the community’s religious autonomy.

Stalin said: "The large-scale modifications proposed across wide range of sections in the existing Act will dilute the very spirit of the Act itself. For example, the proposed mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards will undermine the religious autonomy of the Muslim community's ability to manage its religious and charitable endowments independently."

1995ஆம் ஆண்டு வக்ஃப் சட்டத்தில் திருத்தம் செய்யும் ஒன்றிய அரசின் சட்ட முன்வடிவினை முழுமையாக திரும்பப்பெறக் கோரி மாண்புமிகு பிரதமர் @narendramodi அவர்களுக்கு மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் கடிதம் எழுதியுள்ளார். pic.twitter.com/HkDpMwwT1t

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) April 2, 2025

Another contentious point highlighted in the letter was the removal of the "Waqf by user" provision, which Stalin warned could jeopardize the status of numerous historical Waqf properties. He also objected to the proposed restriction allowing only individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years to donate property to Waqf institutions, stating that this would discourage contributions from non-Muslims and disrupt the country's syncretic culture.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, on March 27, 2025, passed a unanimous resolution urging the Union Government to withdraw the bill in its entirety. Stalin enclosed a copy of the resolution in his letter and called for the Prime Minister's personal intervention to protect the interests of the Muslim minority and uphold the integrity of Waqf institutions.