As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be tabled in Lok Sabha today, the Opposition has issued a warning to NDA allies—especially Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) and Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP)—for backing the bill.
Both parties are crucial for the NDA’s majority in Parliament, and their support could be decisive in passing the bill.
Prashant Kishor: “Blame Will Be on Nitish Kumar”
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor accused JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar of hypocrisy, stating that his party’s support for the bill contradicts his claims of being a well-wisher of the Muslim community.
“The government doesn’t have a majority in Lok Sabha. They are able to bring this law because people like Nitish Kumar are supporting it. If leaders like him do not vote in favor of this Bill, then the government can never make this a law,” Prashant Kishor told media.
He further warned that Nitish Kumar would be held accountable for this decision in the future:
“When this era is written in history, the blame for this law will be more on leaders like Nitish Kumar than the BJP.”
Samajwadi Party MP: “Allies Will Face Consequences”
Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rehman Barq echoed similar concerns, saying:
“The government may have the majority figures, but its allies know that if they support this bill, they will have to face a lot of consequences in the coming times.”
TDP Issues Whip to MPs
Despite the Opposition’s pressure, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs, directing them to be present for the tabling of the bill.
According to a TDP press release:
“The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament, directing them to be present in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025. This directive comes in light of the scheduled introduction of the Waqf Bill, which is expected to be a matter of significant discussion in the House.”
What Does the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Aim to Do?
The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, addressing challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. Key proposed changes include:
- Renaming the Act for better legal clarity.
- Updating definitions of Waqf properties.
- Improving the registration process to reduce encroachments.
- Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
The Waqf Act of 1995 has long been criticized for mismanagement, corruption, and illegal encroachments on Waqf properties. The proposed amendments aim to bring reforms and improve governance.
Political Implications
With both JD(U) and TDP backing the bill, the NDA appears confident about securing enough votes for its passage. However, the Opposition’s warnings signal potential political repercussions, especially for leaders like Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, who rely on Muslim voter support in their states.
As Parliament prepares for a heated debate, all eyes are on JD(U) and TDP to see whether they stand firm with the NDA or reconsider their position under Opposition pressure.