A fresh political battle has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, with the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) hitting back at opposition claims that it supported the legislation. The YSRCP released a sharp video statement condemning the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for allegedly spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead minority communities ahead of the upcoming elections.
The bill passed in the Lok Sabha with support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, including TDP and Jana Sena Party (JSP). However, the debate in the Rajya Sabha brought deeper scrutiny, with YSRCP taking a strong stand against the bill.
Contrary to TDP’s claims, YSRCP not only opposed the bill in Parliament but also issued a party whip in the Rajya Sabha instructing its members to vote against it. The party cited concerns about infringement on minority rights and the potential misuse of waqf lands under the new framework.
YSRCP MP Y.V. Subba Reddy, speaking during the Rajya Sabha debate, clarified the party’s position:
“The Waqf Amendment Bill threatens the autonomy of waqf institutions. Our party has always stood by minorities and will continue to protect their constitutional and religious rights.”
Both TDP and its ally Jana Sena supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, aligning with their national ally BJP. Several Muslim leaders and civil society groups have condemned the TDP-JSP alliance for backing the legislation. Protests were reported in parts of Kurnool, Guntur, and Kadapa, where community leaders expressed fears of land encroachment and loss of control over waqf properties.
The controversy escalated after the TDP circulated a video implying that YSRCP had supported the Waqf Amendment Bill. In response, YSRCP released a counter-video, labelling the TDP’s content as deliberately misleading.
Analysts suggest that TDP’s misinformation campaign is an attempt to deflect minority anger over its support for the bill and undermine YSRCP’s stronghold among Muslim voters. With elections looming, the stakes are high, and the battle for perception is just as crucial as policy.
