Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is set for discussion and consideration following the question hour. The Lok Sabha has scheduled an eight-hour debate on the legislation, with the possibility of an extension.
BJP and Congress Issue Whip to MPs for Crucial Vote
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have both issued a whip, directing their Members of Parliament (MPs) to be present in the House for the discussion and voting process. The proposed amendments, according to the Centre, are aimed at improving the governance and management of Waqf properties across India.
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Minister @KirenRijiju moves two bills The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 & The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha for consideration and passing
The Bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995
The Bill to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923#WaqfBoard #Waqf @LokSabhaSectt pic.twitter.com/ptXlkjyvv5
— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 2, 2025
Congress and other opposition parties have strongly opposed the Bill, arguing that the government is fast-tracking the legislation without adequate deliberation. Opposition leaders claim that the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which was assigned to examine the Bill, ignored their suggestions and concerns.
Political Numbers Favor the BJP in Lok Sabha Vote
With 240 MPs in the Lok Sabha, the BJP appears to have the upper hand. The party’s key allies, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JDU), hold 16 and 12 seats, respectively. With additional support from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, the ruling coalition is projected to secure approximately 295 votes—comfortably surpassing the majority mark of 272. Meanwhile, the Congress-led opposition holds around 234 votes.
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While the TDP has expressed support for the Bill, its leader N Chandrababu Naidu has reassured the Muslim community that their concerns will be taken into account. On the other hand, the JDU has urged the government to avoid implementing the legislation with retrospective effect. Opposition MPs have also warned NDA allies about potential political consequences if they back the Bill, as it has faced criticism from key minority organizations.
Key Provisions and Controversial Amendments
The Waqf Amendment Bill includes significant changes to the existing law, sparking debate across political and religious circles. Some of the contentious provisions include:
Non-Muslim Representation in Waqf Councils and Boards: The Bill proposes allowing non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, a move that has drawn criticism from minority groups.
Changes in Waqf Property Ownership: Under the new amendments, any government-owned property that was previously designated as Waqf land will cease to be classified as Waqf. The final ownership decision will rest with the local district Collector.
AIMPLB and Minority Groups Oppose the Bill
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a prominent body representing Muslim interests, has urged secular parties to oppose the Bill. The organization argues that the amendments are discriminatory, unjust, and in direct contradiction to fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
If the Bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, it will then move to the Rajya Sabha for further discussion and approval. With political tensions rising, the fate of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 remains a crucial issue in India’s legislative landscape, with significant implications for governance, minority rights, and land ownership laws.
