Waqf Bill To Be Introduced Today: NDA vs. INDIA Showdown
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India Kiren Rijiju is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha today, April 02. The Bill is facing a strong opposition from the INDIA bloc and Muslim organizations, specially including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
To ensure full attendance, both BJP and Congress have issued whips to their MPs, making it clear that they must be present for the vote. With both sides refusing to compromise, the Bill’s fate will likely depend on the strength of numbers in the House.
What’s Going To Happen in Parliament Today?
The Waqf Bill will be introduced after the Question Hour, followed by a discussion lasting up to 8 hours, which could be extended if needed.
Like BJP and Congress, their allies have also issued whips, making sure all the MPs attend the session on April 2 and 3.
The opposition is strongly against the Bill. Samajwadi Party (SP) has directed all its MPs to be in Parliament and take part in the discussions. Leaders of INDIA bloc held a strategy meeting on Tuesday and decided to vote against the Bill.
What Is Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was first introduced in the month of August last year. It was later reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by Jagdambika Pal.
The Bill seeks to update the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs Waqf properties in India. The government says these changes are meant to fix loopholes, improve administration, and prevent mismanagement of Waqf lands and assets.
Some of the key proposed changes include:
Renaming the Act Updating the definition of Waqf Improving the registration process Using technology to manage Waqf records more efficiently
The 1995 Waqf Act has been criticized over the years for issues like corruption, mismanagement, and illegal encroachments. The government argues that the new Bill will bring better regulation and oversight.
NDA vs. INDIA: The Numbers Game
The NDA has a strong majority in the 542-member Lok Sabha, where 272 votes are needed to pass any Bill.
Lok Sabha Strength
- NDA total seats: 293 MPs
- INDIA bloc seats: 235 MPs
NDA’s key allies:
- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) – 16 MPs
- Janata Dal (United) (JDU) – 12 MPs
- Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-RV) – 5 MPs
- Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) – 7 MPs
- Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Janata Dal-Secular (JDS), Jana Sena Party (JSP) – 2 MPs each
INDIA bloc’s key allies:
- Congress – 99 MPs
- Samajwadi Party (SP) – 37 MPs
- Trinamool Congress (TMC) – 28 MPs
- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) – 22 MPs
- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) – 9 MPs
- Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) – 8 MPs
- Others (CPIM, RJD, AAP, JMM, IUML, JKNC, etc.) – 62 MPs
Other notable MPs:
- Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) – Strongly opposes the Bill
- YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) (4 MPs) – Opposing the Bill
Rajya Sabha Strength
In the 245-member Rajya Sabha, 118 votes are required to pass the Bill. The NDA has a clear majority with 125 MPs, so it is expected to pass without much trouble.
NDA’s Rajya Sabha numbers:
- BJP – 98 MPs
- JD(U) – 4 MPs
- Ajit Pawar’s NCP – 3 MPs
- TDP – 2 MPs
Once the Bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, it will move to the Rajya Sabha for final approval.
AIMPLB’s Strong Opposition
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged all secular parties and BJP allies to oppose the Bill. They argue that it is part of the BJP’s “communal agenda” and could harm the interests of the Muslim community.
What’s Next?
With NDA’s numbers in both Houses, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is expected to pass despite opposition protests. However, the coming debate in Parliament will be crucial in shaping the final decision.
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