Triple Talaq Bill: It’s not good for govt to interfere in religious practices, says Lok Sabha deputy speaker Thambi Durai

CHENNAI: Stating that it was the duty of the AIADMK to protect the rights of the minorities, Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambi Durai on Sunday said his party would oppose the Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha.
“It is not right for the government to interfere in religious practices. It is our party’s stand to protect the rights of the minorities. Hence, we will stoutly oppose the Bill that will harm our Muslim brothers,” Thambi Durai told reporters at the Chennai airport on the BJP government’s move to pass the Triple Talaq Bill.

The party’s MP A Anwhar Raajhaa spoke vehemently against the Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, creating ripples within his party. He said that the Bill was against the Muslim community and the AIADMK would oppose it.

The party leadership, however, was divided over the rather strong extempore speech of Raajhaa on the Bill. While a section of the MPs and other functionaries who were against an alliance with BJP for the forthcoming general elections welcomed his views and strong words, another section, who were for a BJP tie-up, were not too happy.

An MP told TOI that chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had contacted party floor leader P Venugopal and asked him to inform the media, if asked, that it was the personal opinion of Raajhaa. Venugaopal had also admitted that the CM spoke to him over the issue on Thursday evening.