Waqf bill tabled in Lok Sabha amid opposition showdown

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reintroduced the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha today (2 April). The bill, after being introduced, faces strong opposition from the INDIA bloc and Muslim groups such as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).

BJP, Congress, and Other Parties Issue Whips

Both the BJP and Congress have issued whips to their MPs, ensuring their presence in Parliament as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill comes up for discussion and voting. With no agreement between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, the outcome will likely depend on the majority numbers in the House.

The bill was introduced after Question Hour, followed by an eight-hour discussion, which may be extended. The BJP, Congress, and their allies have asked all MPs to be present on 2 and 3 April.

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The Opposition has strongly opposed the bill, with the Samajwadi Party also issuing a whip to its MPs. Leaders of the INDIA bloc met on Tuesday to strategise their approach.

First introduced in August last year, the bill was later reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee led by Jagdambika Pal.

The high-stakes bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the management of waqf properties by addressing issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.

Key changes include renaming the Act, updating definitions, improving registration, and incorporating technology for better record-keeping.