CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) staged a state-wide protest against the Centre’s Waqf Bill on Friday, with party president Vijay conspicuously absent.

The party asserted that the bill poses a threat to the Constitutional rights and religious freedoms of the Muslim community.

Protests were organised across all districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Coimbatore, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchy, Kanniyakumari, and Thanjavur.

Hundreds of TVK cadre took to the streets, voicing strong opposition to the Bill and expressing solidarity with Muslims who fear the legislation may infringe upon their property and religious rights.

Over 200 party members gathered at Panaiyur, near the party's headquarters, under the leadership of TVK general secretary N Anand, even though Vijay didn’t take part.

Addressing reporters, Anand stated, "The central government must withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill. Our party leader, Vijay, has assured the Muslim community that we stand with them in full support. This Bill has created anxiety among Muslims, and we cannot ignore their concerns."

When reporters pressed to clarify which specific provisions of the Bill were problematic, Anand reiterated that the community's concern was reason enough.

"If someone tried to take over your land, wouldn't you resist it? That is exactly what this Bill implies to the Muslim community," he said, before abruptly ending the interaction.

Meanwhile, TVK members faced resistance from law enforcement in several locations.

In Aminjikarai, police warned party workers of legal action for protesting without permission, leading to a hurried dispersal of cadre into nearby lanes scenes that later became the subject of social media trolling.