Vijay’s Party Demands Withdrawal, Labels Bill as "Anti-Democratic"
Chennai, April 4 – The Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, organized statewide demonstrations across Tamil Nadu on Friday, voicing strong opposition to the recently passed Waqf Bill. The protests spanned major cities including Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Thoothukudi, and Thanjavur.TVK General Secretary N Anand led the protest in Chennai, where party members raised slogans such as “Let us reject the Waqf Bill” and “Do not take away the rights of Muslims.” Protesters claimed that the new legislation, passed by both houses of Parliament, undermines the rights of the Muslim community and poses a direct threat to Waqf properties.
Allegations Against Centre: "Threat to Waqf Properties"
According to TVK, the Centre’s move to enact the Waqf Bill represents undue interference in matters concerning Waqf properties. The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal of the legislation, asserting that the bill compromises minority rights and the principles of secularism.Among the slogans that echoed during the protest were “Do not betray the minorities” and “Let us protect secularism,” reinforcing the party’s position that the legislation was a setback to communal harmony and constitutional values.
Vijay's Statement: A Call for Legal Resistance
A day prior to the protests, Vijay had publicly criticized the Waqf Bill, calling it “anti-democratic.” He warned that if the bill is not repealed, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam would stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in their legal struggle to defend Waqf rights.The demonstrations mark one of the party’s most assertive moves since its formation, with Vijay positioning TVK as a defender of minority rights and constitutional fairness.
