Uddhav Thackeray Alleges BJP Now Targeting Religious Land After Waqf Properties

Following President Droupadi Murmu's assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray strongly criticised the BJP, alleging that the party is now targeting land owned by Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and even Hindu temples. The bill, passed by Parliament earlier this week, is described by the government as a step towards reforming the administration of Muslim religious endowments in the country.

However, Thackeray believes there's a deeper agenda behind the move. Speaking on April 6 during the launch of the Shiv Sanchar Sena, the party's new IT and communications wing, he said that after the Waqf law, the BJP is now preparing to focus on properties belonging to other religious groups. He warned that prime land would be handed over to the BJP's close allies, claiming the party lacks genuine concern for any community.

The comments came as the BJP marked its 45th Foundation Day. Thackeray, formerly an ally of the BJP, urged the party to act in the spirit of Lord Ram, implying that ethical governance should guide their actions.

Backing Thackeray's claims, NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad pointed to a recent article in Organiser, the RSS's mouthpiece, which stated that the Catholic Church of India, and not the Waqf Board, is the country's largest landholder. Awhad highlighted that the article, titled "Who has more land in India? The Catholic Church vs Waqf Board Debate," was published on April 3 and has since reportedly been taken down.

Thackeray responded to the article by saying the BJP's intentions were now openly visible and urged the public to be vigilant. He said people should realise what is happening and not ignore these early signs.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that Waqf land would eventually be transferred to industrialists close to the BJP. He accused the party of hypocrisy, saying it had no moral right to speak on poverty, especially given the scale of its election spending last year, which he claimed was comparable to Maharashtra's entire budget.

Asked whether the Sena (UBT) would challenge the Waqf law in court, Thackeray said the party had no such plans, choosing instead to focus on creating awareness and voicing opposition through political channels.