Waqf Amendment Bill: Parliament Gears Up for Debate

Lok Sabha to Discuss Highly Anticipated Waqf Amendment Bill

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha is prepared to discuss the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill this Wednesday. The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is advocating for its approval, while the opposition vehemently opposes it, labeling it as “unconstitutional”.

• Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM denounces the Bill as a “grave violation” of Articles 14, 25, 26, and 29.
• Despite resistance from the opposition, the NDA has the upper hand in both Houses of Parliament.
• Minorities and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju announced an eight-hour debate in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition Protests and Walks Out

Tensions escalated as Congress and several opposition INDIA bloc members walked out of the BAC meeting in protest. They accused the government of silencing their voices and demanded discussions on additional topics, such as the situation in Manipur and concerns over electors’ photo identity cards.

Parliament’s Numbers Game

The NDA currently holds 293 MPs in the 542-member House, with key allies including the TDP (16 MPs), Janata Dal (United) with 12, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) with 5, and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with 7 MPs.

• In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA has a total of 125 MPs representation.
• The Bill will be presented to the Upper House following its approval in the Lok Sabha.

Congress Challenges JD(U) and TDP’s ‘Secular’ Credentials

The Congress criticized JD(U) and TDP for supporting the Bill, deeming it an “attack on the Constitution”.

BJP Allies Alter Stance, Endorse Bill

Initially, some NDA allies, including JD(U), TDP, and LJP (Ram Vilas), expressed reservations about the Bill. However, they eventually offered their support after a parliamentary joint committee adopted their recommendations.

Christian Organizations Back Bill

The Church of Bharat and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India have expressed support for the Bill, bolstering the government’s defense against allegations of an anti-minority agenda.

Government Upholds Bill as Reform Measure

The government asserts that the Bill aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in managing Waqf properties.

Opposition and Muslim Groups Firmly Oppose Bill

Opposition parties and prominent Muslim organizations continue to reject the Bill, deeming it unconstitutional and detrimental to the Muslim community.