A major clash is expected in Parliament as the
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is scheduled for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the bill is likely to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Scheduled Debate and Political Stance
Minorities and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee (BAC), led by Speaker Om Birla, approved an eight-hour debate on the bill. Furthermore, the BJP is confident that its allies—Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(RV)), and Telugu Desam Party (TDP)—will support the bill, which is crucial for its passage.
On the other hand, the Opposition INDIA bloc has vowed to challenge the bill. Therefore, both BJP and Congress have issued whips to their MPs, ensuring full attendance during discussions.
Parties Supporting the Waqf Bill
Several political parties have openly supported the bill. Leaders from JD(U) and LJP (RV) have clearly stated they will not block its passage. Moreover, they rejected the opposition's claim that the bill would infringe on minority rights.
A senior JD(U) leader assured that the party consulted representatives from the Muslim Personal Law Board, Waqf Board, and religious leaders. Furthermore, they promised to convey concerns to the government for resolution.
Likewise, a senior LJP (RV) member confirmed their party’s support. They stressed their commitment to helping poor Muslims rather than engaging in opposition rhetoric. Similarly, TDP spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain asserted that the bill does not violate Muslim rights. Additionally, he reaffirmed Chandrababu Naidu’s dedication to the Muslim community's welfare.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena issued a three-line whip, instructing all Lok Sabha MPs to attend the session and back the government's position. At the same time, Union Minister Chirag Paswan, leader of LJP (RV), also directed all party MPs to be present.
Opposition's Resistance to the Waqf Bill
Meanwhile, opposition parties convened a meeting in Parliament House to strategize their stance against the bill.
Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and KC Venugopal, along with Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav, NCP’s Supriya Sule, TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee, and AAP’s Sanjay Singh, participated. Other attendees included leaders from DMK, RJD, CPI(M), CPI, RSP, and MDMK.
Afterward, Kharge declared on social media: “All the Opposition parties are united and shall work together on the floor of the Parliament to defeat the unconstitutional and divisive agenda of the Modi Govt on the Waqf Amendment Bill.”
Similarly, Rahul Gandhi posted that opposition leaders from both Houses deliberated on the bill’s implications. Furthermore, Congress leader Venugopal argued that the bill must be opposed to "protect constitutional values", claiming it violates the Constitution.
Additionally, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused the BJP of avoiding discussions. Likewise, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha warned that if the government tries to “bulldoze” the opposition, it may be forced to withdraw the bill. Furthermore, NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule stressed that a strong democracy must uphold the Constitution.
BJP’s Parliamentary Strength
Lok Sabha: Total MPs: 542, Simple majority needed: 272 votes,
Total NDA strength: Majority secured if allies remain unite (BJP MPs: 240, JD(U): 12 MPs, TDP: 16 MPs, LJP (RV): 5 MPs, RLD: 2 MPs, Shiv Sena: 7 MPs)
Rajya Sabha: Total MPs: 245, Support needed: 119 votes
Total NDA strength: 125 MPs, with additional support expected from independent members and nominated MPs (BJP MPs: 98, JD(U): 4 MPs, TDP: 2 MPs, NCP: 3 MPs, Shiv Sena: 1 MP, RLD: 1 MP)
With these numbers, the BJP-led NDA appears confident of securing a majority to pass the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. However, intense political debates are expected before the final decision is made in Parliament.
