Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 Sparks Heated Debate in Parliament
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has prompted robust debates in Parliament. While the BJP-led government is pushing for passage, the Opposition plans to contest. The action in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, where the number will be crucial, will determine next steps.
Who Supports the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
The BJP can count on support from its partners, who are:
- Janata Dal (United) (JD-U) – Party leaders stated the concerns of minority communities will be kept in mind.
- Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP-RV) – The party stated they are focused on poor Muslims rather than addressing the issues raised by the Opposition.
- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) – The party stated the bill does not conflict with minority rights. Shiv Sena – Issued a three line whip for its MPs to support the legislation.
- Other NDA partners – There are smaller regional parties that have shown support for the government.
Who Is Opposed to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
INDIA, comprising major parties of the Opposition, are against the bill. Several significant factions oppose it:
- Congress – Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge argue that the legislation violates constitutional values.
- Samajwadi Party, NCP, AAP, TMC, DMK, RJD, CPI(M) and CPI – all opposed to the bill on the grounds it promotes division and violates the Constitution.
Leaders of the opposition parties are calling for full debate before the bill is passed.
Does the BJP Have the Votes?
- In the Lok Sabha: The BJP needs 272 votes to pass the bill. With 240 BJP members and firm backing from allies, it is expected the NDA will amass enough votes.
- In the Rajya Sabha: The NDA has 125 MPs (important to note that it only needs 119 votes to pass the legislation.
- Additional support from MPs of independent and small parties can boost this count even more.
In the recent news updates, the speculation reveals that the BJP is solidly in a position to push the appropriation for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, forward in light of considerable opposition. The final vote will determine if the bill will either be a change in Waqf laws or a new political dividing ground.
