The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to bring changes to the administration and governance of Waqf properties in India, is set to be tabled in Lok Sabha at 12 noon on Wednesday. Despite initial concerns raised by coalition partners, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured the necessary numbers to pass the Bill.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has 240 MPs in the Lok Sabha, requires at least 32 more lawmakers to get the Bill passed. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with 16 MPs and Janata Dal (United) with 12 MPs have assured support, increasing NDA’s count to 268 MPs.

Additionally, other NDA allies have pledged support, including:

• Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) – 5 MPs

• Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena – 7 MPs

• Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) – 2 MPs

• Janata Dal (Secular) – 2 MPs

• Jana Sena Party (JSP) – 2 MPs

• NCP, Apna Dal, Hindustani Awam Morcha, All Jharkhand Students’ Union – 1 MP each

• Northeastern parties AGP, UPPL, SKM – 1 MP each

With this support, the NDA’s tally in Lok Sabha rises to 293 MPs, surpassing the 272-mark required for passage.

TDP and JD(U) Express Concerns, Propose Amendments

Though TDP and JD(U) have agreed to support the Bill, they have raised concerns regarding specific provisions.

• TDP is likely to propose an amendment to allow state governments to decide whether non-Muslims can be included in state Waqf Boards.

• JD(U) has objected to the retrospective implementation of the revised law, stating it should apply only to future cases.

Despite these concerns, both parties have confirmed their support for the Bill in the voting process.

Parliamentary Process and Debate on the Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill has undergone scrutiny by a 31-member Joint Committee of Parliament, which has recommended changes. The Lok Sabha has allocated eight hours for discussion, after which Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will respond to the debate and seek approval for passage.

The Bill’s objective is to amend the governance of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and administration. However, certain provisions have sparked opposition, leading to a heated debate in Parliament.

Opposition Struggles to Gain Sufficient Numbers

The Opposition, despite putting up a unified front against the Bill, lacks the numbers to prevent its passage. The combined strength of Opposition parties in Lok Sabha is 241 MPs, which falls short of the 272-mark required to stall the Bill.

Parties opposing the Bill include:

• Congress – 99 MPs

• Samajwadi Party (SP) – 37 MPs

• Trinamool Congress (TMC) – 28 MPs

• Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) – 22 MPs

• Shiv Sena-UBT – 9 MPs

• NCP-Sharad Pawar – 8 MPs

• CPI(M) – 4 MPs

• Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) – 4 MPs

• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – 3 MPs

• Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) – 3 MPs

• Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) – 3 MPs

• Jammu and Kashmir National Conference – 2 MPs

• Others – 13 MPs

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) with 4 MPs, AIMIM (1 MP), and Aazad Samaj Party (1 MP) have also declared their opposition to the Bill.

What Happens Next?

• The Bill will be introduced in Lok Sabha at 12 noon on Wednesday.

• The eight-hour debate will involve amendments proposed by various parties.

• Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will respond to the discussion.

• Voting will take place, and given the NDA’s majority, the Bill is expected to be passed.

• The Bill will then move to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion and voting.

Conclusion

The Waqf Amendment Bill is set to pass in Lok Sabha with NDA allies backing the government, despite minor concerns from TDP and JD(U). The Opposition remains short of numbers, making it unlikely to stall the Bill. With key changes proposed to the Waqf property governance system, the final outcome will shape future discussions on minority affairs and property rights in India.

This legislative move marks another significant step in the BJP-led NDA government’s efforts to reform Waqf laws, with a focus on streamlining governance and improving transparency in property administration.

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