Opposition to Oppose Waqf Bill Tooth and Nail in Lok Sabha Debate
Opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and CPI (M), have decided to join the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, scheduled for Wednesday, but vowed to fiercely resist its passage. Sources told India Today TV that the opposition will participate in the eight-hour discussion starting at 12 pm, yet plans to vote against the bill, labeling it unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The opposition’s stance emerged after a strategic meeting on Tuesday, where leaders finalized their approach. With the bill set to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, governing Muslim-donated properties, the opposition argues it infringes on religious rights and targets the Muslim community.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi confirmed the party’s participation but said they would oppose the legislation during the vote, according to sources.
The government has allocated eight hours for the debate in the Lok Sabha, expecting a contentious session. The bill, first tabled in August 2024, faced strong protests, leading to its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal.
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After weeks of deliberation, marked by dramatic moments like TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee injuring himself, the JPC approved 14 amendments in February, rejecting 44 proposed by opposition MPs.
CPI (M) leader John Brittas stated, “The Opposition will oppose the bill tooth and nail during the debate,” signaling a robust challenge in the House. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, a vocal critic, dubbed it the “Waqf barbaad bill,” arguing, “This bill is unconstitutional. If no non-Hindu can join a Hindu Endowment Board, why include non-Muslims here?”
All opposition parties have agreed to vote against the bill post-discussion, sources confirmed.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju countered the criticism, accusing the opposition of misleading the public. “Some people are saying the bill is unconstitutional. Waqf rules have existed since before Independence. How can it be illegal?” he said on Monday, rejecting claims that it threatens mosques or graveyards.
The BJP-led NDA, with 293 members in the 543-member Lok Sabha, remains confident of passing the bill, bolstered by its majority.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Congress issued a whip to its Lok Sabha MPs, mandating their presence for the next three days, as per PTI sources. This move underscores the party’s determination to mount a united resistance during the debate and voting process.
The opposition’s coordinated effort aims to challenge the bill’s provisions, which include changes to waqf board composition and property dispute resolution mechanisms.
With the stage set for a high-stakes showdown, Wednesday’s debate will test the NDA’s legislative strength against the opposition’s resolve. The bill’s fate hinges on the Lok Sabha vote, with the NDA’s numbers favoring passage despite the opposition’s firm stand.
