The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress issuing whips to their MPs to ensure their full presence in the House.
Given the ongoing political standoff between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc, the bill’s passage is expected to be determined by a majority vote on the floor.
The bill is scheduled to be tabled after the Question Hour, followed by an eight-hour discussion, which could be extended depending on the proceedings.
Opposition’s Resistance and Strategic Meetings
The Opposition INDIA bloc has strongly criticized the bill, arguing that it undermines the autonomy of Waqf properties. On Tuesday, floor leaders of the INDIA bloc met in Parliament to strategize their approach to the bill.
- Samajwadi Party (SP) chief whip Dharmendra Yadav issued a three-line whip to all its MPs, directing them to be present in the Lok Sabha on April 2 and actively participate in discussions.
- Allies of both BJP and Congress have also issued similar whips to their MPs, making it a high-stakes legislative battle.
Background and Key Amendments in the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was originally introduced in Lok Sabha in August 2023. Following this, a Joint Parliamentary Committee, led by Jagdambika Pal, was formed to review the bill and suggest improvements.
The bill aims to address long-standing issues related to the administration and regulation of Waqf properties. Key proposed changes include:
- Renaming the Act for clarity and legal consistency.
- Updating definitions of Waqf properties to streamline governance.
- Enhancing the registration process to prevent encroachments and disputes.
- Incorporating technology for better record-keeping and transparency.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which currently governs Waqf properties in India, has often faced criticism for mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The proposed amendments aim to enhance efficiency and accountability in managing these assets.
Political Implications
Given the strong opposition and lack of bipartisan consensus, the bill’s passage could become a key political flashpoint between the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc. The debate surrounding it is expected to be intense, with both sides making a strong push to defend their stance.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Parliamentary proceedings regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.