Waqf Amendment Bill Tabled In Lok Sabha, Heated Debate Expected Amid Strong Opposition By INDI Alliance

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been tabled in Parliament on Wednesday (2 April), with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress issuing whips to their MPs, directing them to ensure attendance in the House.

With no bipartisan consensus in sight, the bill’s fate is expected to be determined by sheer numerical strength, ANI reported.

The bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to enhance the management of Waqf properties, is expected to spark intense debate as Opposition bloc INDI Alliance is opposing the bill.

The bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Earlier, Rijiju defended the bill, stating, "Today is a historic day... this bill is being introduced in the interest of the country. Not only crores of Muslims but the whole country will support it. Those who are opposing it are doing so for political reasons."

The opposition, led by the Congress, has fiercely criticised the bill, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on minority rights.

Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi who is expected to open arguments for Congress on the floor accused the government of pushing through an unfair law, saying, "Clause-by-clause discussion, which should have happened in the JPC, was not done... The government's attitude from day one has been to bring such a law which is against the Constitution and minorities."

In a show of protest, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi staged a demonstration outside Parliament, dressed in black and holding a placard that read, "Reject Waqf Bill."

The ruling NDA has dismissed the opposition's claims.

Union Minister George Kurian asserted that the bill enjoys broad-based support, stating, "All communities support this amendment bill... Only big landlords are opposing this Bill."

Uttar Pradesh Minister O P Rajbhar also accused the opposition of "vote politics," questioning whether Waqf lands have ever benefited the poor.

The JD(U), an NDA ally, has expressed concerns, with MP Sanjay Jha stating, "Our concern is that it (Bill) should not be retrospective. Let the bill come; if our concerns are accommodated in it, we will definitely support it."

Meanwhile, the Jana Sena Party, led by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has announced its full backing, directing its MPs to vote in favour.

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the amendments, claimed that the bill would benefit "poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims."

The bill proposes significant changes, including renaming the Act, redefining Waqf, streamlining registration processes, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.

It follows repeated concerns about mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments under the current law.

With an eight-hour discussion scheduled, the parliamentary floor is set for a heated showdown between the ruling party and the opposition.

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