Waqf Bill: Supporters, Opponents, and BJP’s Strength in Parliament Explained

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government is set to pass the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with strong backing from its allies in Parliament. The bill, which will be discussed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2, is a significant step towards reforming Waqf-related laws to ensure greater transparency and accountability. The bill is expected to be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, April 3.

BJP Confident of Passing the Bill with NDA Support

The BJP is confident that it has the numbers required for the smooth passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The party has issued a whip to all its MPs to ensure full attendance during the debate and voting. Key allies such as the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)], and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have extended their support, further strengthening the BJP’s position.

A senior leader from JD(U) confirmed that the party has consulted with representatives from the Muslim Personal Law Board, Waqf Board, and religious leaders to address any concerns. “We have assured them that their voices will be heard, and the government will ensure that the rights of the minorities are not encroached upon,” he said.

LJP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan also extended his support to the bill, emphasizing that it focuses on helping poor Muslims rather than how the opposition is trying to portray it. TDP spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain stated that Chandrababu Naidu has already expressed his commitment to working for the welfare of the Muslim community, assuring that the bill does not infringe upon their rights.

Shiv Sena, another important ally of the BJP, has issued a three-line whip to its MPs, ensuring their presence and backing for the bill. This support from NDA partners showcases the unity within the alliance and its commitment to legislative reforms.

Opposition’s Resistance to the Bill

On the other hand, the Opposition, under the banner of the INDIA bloc, has come together to oppose the bill. Senior leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, DMK, RJD, CPI(M), CPI, and other opposition parties have held meetings to formulate their strategy against the bill.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and KC Venugopal have alleged that the bill violates constitutional values. However, the government has assured that the amendments aim to remove loopholes in existing laws and bring more clarity, benefiting all sections of society, including minorities.

The Opposition has accused the BJP of trying to push the bill without a thorough discussion, but BJP leaders have countered this by highlighting that an eight-hour debate has been scheduled, ensuring ample time for all viewpoints to be heard.

BJP’s Strong Position in Parliament

The BJP and its allies hold a comfortable majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, ensuring the passage of the bill.

In the Lok Sabha:

• The BJP has 240 MPs.
• JD(U) has 12 MPs.
• TDP has 16 MPs.
• LJP (RV) has 5 MPs.
• Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has 2 MPs.
• Shiv Sena has 7 MPs.

With 272 votes needed for a simple majority in the 542-member Lok Sabha, the NDA’s strength ensures the bill’s approval.

In the Rajya Sabha:

• The BJP has 98 MPs.
• JD(U) has 4 MPs.
• TDP has 2 MPs.
• NCP has 3 MPs.
• Shiv Sena has 1 MP.
• RLD has 1 MP.

With a requirement of 119 votes in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, the NDA, with its 125 MPs and additional support from independent and nominated members, is confident of passing the bill.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is an important legislative measure aimed at bringing transparency to Waqf properties and ensuring that their management benefits the community. The BJP-led NDA government has shown strong leadership in securing the support of its allies and ensuring that necessary reforms are introduced in a structured manner.

While the Opposition is trying to create hurdles, the numbers and political will of the NDA indicate that the bill will pass without much difficulty. The BJP remains committed to working for the nation’s progress, ensuring inclusive development while upholding constitutional values.

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