"Naidu has two eyes—one Hindu, one Muslim": TDP leader defends Muslim rights amid Waqf bill debate

Senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nawab Jan stated on Sunday that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will firmly oppose any bill that could harm Muslim interests. Addressing the 'Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan,' an event organized by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Jan called on communities to unify against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is currently under review in Parliament.

Jan emphasized Naidu’s commitment to secular governance, recalling a statement by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister: "He [Naidu] says he has two eyes—one Hindu, one Muslim. Any harm done to one eye affects the whole body, and we must remember this as we pursue development." Jan cited Naidu's track record of providing unparalleled benefits for the Muslim community since India’s independence, showcasing Naidu’s secular approach to leadership.

The TDP leader commended Naidu for his role in pushing the Waqf Bill to Parliament's Joint Committee for a more thorough examination. "It was only through Naidu’s support that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was sent to the Joint Committee of Parliament," he claimed, emphasizing Naidu’s dedication to a fair legislative process.

Jan also referenced Naidu’s recent remarks supporting religious autonomy, saying, "Naidu believes that whether it’s a Muslim, Hindu, or Christian institution, each should be governed by people of the same faith." He expressed concern over any legislation threatening India’s religious unity, stressing, "We will tolerate many things, but we cannot tolerate attempts to harm the unity of the country."

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, an influential Islamic organization, urged leaders like Naidu and Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of JD(U) to heed Muslim sentiments and oppose the bill. The Jamiat emphasized that secular parties within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) should not support this “dangerous legislation,” which it claims threatens constitutional protections.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2024 and subsequently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after heated debates. The government insists that the bill does not intend to disrupt mosque operations, while opposition parties argue that it unfairly targets Muslim institutions and violates constitutional rights. Meetings of the parliamentary committee have been contentious, with opposition members accusing the Chair of inviting unrelated organizations with Hindu affiliations, while BJP members claim that opposition parties are intentionally causing disruptions.