The Lok Sabha is set to debate the Waqf (Amendment) Bill today, with the Rajya Sabha taking it up on Thursday. While the BJP-led NDA pushes for its passage, the opposition INDIA bloc strongly opposes it, calling it unconstitutional.
Parliament Budget Session LIVE: The Lok Sabha is set to debate the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill today, with the Rajya Sabha scheduled to take it up the following day. The bill has sparked intense political debate, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pushing for its passage, while opposition parties have united against it, calling it unconstitutional The NDA, which holds a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, has issued whips to its MPs, ensuring their support. Key allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Shiv Sena, and LJP (Ram Vilas) have also directed their members to back the government. While some allies had earlier expressed reservations about the bill, sources say they have softened their stance after the Parliamentary Committee incorporated some of their suggestions.
JDU National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan on Thursday clarified the party’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, stating that the doubts JDU had regarding the bill were addressed through their suggestions. He emphasised that most of JDU’s recommendations were accepted before the bill was introduced.
According to Ranjan, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took inputs from prominent Muslim community leaders before finalizing his stance on the bill. Based on these consultations, JDU decided to support the amendments after its key concerns were incorporated.
Following the incorporation of its suggestions, the party officially decided to back the bill, leading to a whip being issued for all JDU MPs to vote in its favour.
The Congress party has finalised its list of seven speakers for the upcoming debate, with Gaurav Gogoi set to initiate the discussion on behalf of the party.
According to sources, senior leaders Mohd Javed and Imran Masood will also participate in the debate, representing the party’s stance on key issues.
The Congress has been allotted 90 minutes for its arguments, during which its leaders are expected to present their views and counter the opposition.
The Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be tabled in an amended form, with BJP MP and Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairman Jagdambika Pal hailing the development as a “historic day” that will benefit poor Muslims and the general public.
“Our hard work has paid off. The government is bringing the bill in an amended form today. With its passage, the poor Muslims and common people will benefit,” Pal said.
