The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025, is now set for a crucial vote in the Rajya Sabha. With significant divisions in support and opposition, the bill's fate rests on the 16 undecided members, who could tip the balance. The amendment aims to address issues related to the governance and management of waqf properties, including curbing illegal transactions and ensuring accountability. However, it has sparked strong debate, with political tensions escalating as both the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc position themselves in anticipation of the vote.

The Numbers: NDA vs Opposition

The current numbers in the Rajya Sabha make for a tightly contested vote. The total strength of the Rajya Sabha is 236 members, with a majority requiring 119 votes. The NDA (National Democratic Alliance) has 125 votes, which includes BJP, JDU, NCP, TDP, and smaller allies. The opposition alliance, under the INDIA Bloc, holds 95 votes, backed by parties like Congress, TMC, DMK, AAP, and others. However, the key to the bill's fate lies in the 16 undecided members from parties like BRS, BJD, AIADMK, and BSP.

Party-Wise Support Breakdown

• NDA: 125 Votes

  • BJP: 98

  • JDU: 4

  • NCP: 3

  • TDP: 2

  • JDS: 1

  • Shiv Sena: 1

  • Other smaller parties and Independents: 16

• Opposition (INDIA Bloc): 95 Votes

  • Congress: 27

  • TMC: 13

  • DMK: 10

  • AAP: 10

  • SP: 4

  • YSRCP: 7

  • RJD: 5

  • Other opposition parties: 19

• Undecided: 16 Votes

  • BRS: 4

  • BJD: 7

  • AIADMK: 4

  • BSP: 1

The Government's Position on the Bill

The government has defended the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, asserting that it seeks to prevent illegal dealings of waqf properties and ensure better governance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that many waqf properties were being leased out at unreasonably low rates for long durations, depriving the community of much-needed resources. "The stolen money will now be recovered," Shah declared, vowing that state-level corruption in the management of waqf lands would no longer be tolerated.

The Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also assured the public that the amendments would not interfere with religious activities but were instead aimed at regulating the management of waqf properties to prevent misuse.

Opposition's Response: Political Motivation or Legal Necessity?

Despite the government's assurances, the opposition has strongly criticized the bill. Parties like the Samajwadi Party and Congress claim the bill is politically motivated and intended to polarize communities ahead of upcoming elections. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, accused the BJP of using the bill to further their communal politics.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi argued that the bill could increase litigation and legal disputes, which would be detrimental to the community and the functioning of waqf boards. He also pointed out that similar amendments had been passed in the past without controversy, questioning the necessity of these changes.

The Significance of the Undecided Votes

With the bill’s fate hanging in the balance, the undecided members will play a crucial role in determining whether the Waqf Amendment Bill passes in the Rajya Sabha. Among the key undecided parties are the BJD and AIADMK, which have historically maintained neutral stances on such bills. Their decisions could tilt the scale in favor of either the NDA or the opposition.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The outcome of the Waqf Amendment Bill’s passage in Rajya Sabha hinges on strategic alliances, political negotiations, and the final voting pattern of undecided members. As the bill moves closer to a vote, its impact on waqf property governance and the broader political landscape remains to be seen. With sharp divides in both the government and opposition camps, the final vote promises to be a decisive moment in India’s legislative history.

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