BJP's 'concern' for Muslims would put Muhammad Ali Jinnah to shame: Uddhav Thackeray on Waqf bill

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Thursday, questioning the Centre’s handling of the impending US tariffs and criticising its stance on the Waqf Bill. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Thackeray said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have informed the country about the economic challenges posed by US tariffs and outlined measures to mitigate their impact. "PM Modi should have told the country about the impending danger of US tariffs and steps being taken to mitigate it," he remarked. Shifting focus to the Waqf Bill, Thackeray took a dig at the BJP and its allies over their recent comments on Muslim issues. "Concern' shown by BJP and its allies about Muslims would put Muhammad Ali Jinnah to shame," he said, adding that despite securing a third term at the Centre, the BJP continued to rake up Hindu-Muslim debates. "BJP has won a third term at the Centre, and things are going well, yet it is raking up Hindu-Muslim issues," he said, questioning the party’s priorities.Clarifying his party’s stance on the Waqf Bill, Thackeray said Sena (UBT) was not opposing the bill itself but the BJP’s alleged ploy to seize land and hand it over to its industrialist friends. In a sharp jibe, he challenged the BJP to remove the green color from its flag if it truly disliked Muslims. "BJP should remove the colour green from its party flag if it dislikes Muslims," he said.