The stage is set for a heated debate on the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, as the government will introduce the legislation in the Lok Sabha on April 2. The BJP has issued a whip to all its MPs, ensuring their presence in the House for the bill's passage.
The bill also seeks to improve the administration and management of Waqf properties in India, thereby enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards.
BJP issues whip to all Lok Sabha MPs to be present in Parliament tomorrow, 2nd April.
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2025
On 2nd April, Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced for consideration and passing. pic.twitter.com/8coAnUDpyg
However, the Opposition parties are opposed to the bill calling it against the interest of the minority community. During the meeting of the Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee, the Opposition parties demanded that over 12 hours be allocated for discussion, but the decision has been made to allocate eight hours. The Congress and other parties stormed out of the committee meeting saying the government trying to bulldoze its way through.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadanvis tweets, "Waqf Amendment Bill is in Parliament tomorrow, now let’s see if Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena follows Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology or will follow footsteps of Rahul Gandhi and keep doing appeasement." pic.twitter.com/MpvQEQDDh9
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2025
The bill will be discussed for at least eight hours before it is set to vote for passing.
The opposition parties have walked out of the BAC meeting in protest. Why? Because the government is simply bulldozing its agenda and not listening to the views of the opposition parties.
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 1, 2025
We have asked for a comprehensive discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act, but our views are… pic.twitter.com/DDB3M649WA
The NDA has the majority in the Lok Sabha, with BJP’s allies throwing their weight behind it, even though there have been calls to oppose the legislation. However, as three parties part of the NDA, BJP allies such as Nitish Kumar-led JDU, Paswan-led LJP, and Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM belong to Bihar, where elections are scheduled in next months, they will be under pressure in the manner they frame their argument during the debate. The issue is particularly important in Bihar, where Muslims constitute close to 18 per cent of the population. They had already held a rally in the state against the bill.
The Waqf bill was introduced in Parliament by the NDA government and subsequently sent to a joint parliamentary committee for detailed consultations where it was passed with 14 amendments, while those moved by the Opposition parties were rejected.
The government will introduce a fresh bill incorporating the JPC’s recommendations.
The Lok Sabha proceedings will be keenly watched as it will be NDA versus the India alliance as the government’s ideological agenda will be tested inside the house.
