Naresh Mhaske criticises Uddhav Thackeray over opposition to Waqf Bill, accuses him of betraying Balasaheb’s vision

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray for his opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that Thackeray “is indebted to Muslims for their overwhelming support.”

In a video released by the Shiv Sena on Friday, the Lok Sabha member from Thane said, “To oblige them (Muslims), he has decided to oppose the bill and has additionally termed the Ram Janmabhoomi temple land development a scam.”

Mhaske further expressed disappointment, stating that they did not expect Thackeray to support the bill but accused him of betraying the principles and vision of Balasaheb Thackeray.

“We don’t expect him to support the bill. But why criticise the Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan? Balasaheb Thackeray had always maintained a firm stance against the Waqf Board, advocating for its dissolution and the reclamation of land involved in illegal encroachments. However, Uddhav Thackeray, who claims to be the torchbearer of his legacy, has betrayed these principles by supporting the Waqf Board. This is a blatant insult to Balasaheb’s vision,” he said.

This criticism came after the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra promised that he would not allow any religious property, whether under the Waqf Board or any temple, to be touched.

“I am announcing that, be it the Waqf Board or any temple or other religious property, I will not let anyone touch those properties at any cost. This is my promise,” he said while addressing a rally on Friday.He further clarified that the issue is not limited to the Waqf Board but also concerns temples.”This is not just a question of the board. It’s a matter of our temples as well. As Sankaracharya has pointed out, 200 kg of gold was stolen from Kedarnath. That should also be investigated,” he added.