Opposition Walkout Sparks Row Ahead of Waqf Bill Debate, Rijiju Slams Fearmongering

Tensions flared in Parliament as the opposition staged a walkout from a key meeting on Tuesday, protesting the time allocated for debating the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, set for discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of dodging the debate, claiming their exit was a tactic to avoid discussing the contentious legislation aimed at regulating waqf properties.

The government has scheduled an eight-hour discussion on the amended Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha, but the session is expected to be stormy. The opposition’s walkout from the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, chaired by the Speaker, followed a heated exchange over the debate’s duration, hinting at the showdown to come.

The bill, which seeks to overhaul waqf property governance, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and Muslim organizations.

In an interview with India Today, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the opposition’s actions. “The walkout by the opposition today was an excuse to avoid discussion. We want a discussion on the Waqf Bill, but they are resorting to fearmongering and trying to obstruct the legislation,” he said.

He also noted support from unexpected quarters, stating, “The Christian community is also supporting the bill,” citing the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council’s recent endorsement.

Introduced in August 2024, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes significant changes to the decades-old law governing Muslim-donated properties. After facing protests, it was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by BJP’s Jagdambika Pal. The Union Cabinet approved 14 amendments in February.

Key changes include mandatory registration of waqf properties in a central database within six months and the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards.

A major point of contention is the shift in authority to resolve property disputes. The bill empowers a state government official to decide if a property is waqf or government-owned, replacing the earlier proposal of the district collector as the arbiter.

Muslim groups argue this could favor government interests, while the opposition, led by Congress, has called the bill unconstitutional and harmful to the Muslim community.

Most National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners back the bill, ensuring its likely passage before the session ends on April 4. However, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has expressed reservations, with JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha saying, “Nitish Kumar has done a lot for Muslims. We want no retrospective formula.”

TDP, another ally, has proposed amendments, including applying the “waqf by user” clause prospectively to avoid legal disputes over existing properties.

JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha emphasized protecting past arrangements, stating, “What has happened in the past should not be touched.” Meanwhile, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council last week urged MPs to support the bill, broadening its appeal beyond political lines.

The opposition insists the bill undermines federalism and minority rights, setting the stage for a fierce parliamentary clash.

With the Lok Sabha debate looming, all eyes are on Wednesday’s session. The government appears confident with NDA support, but Nitish Kumar’s final stance and TDP’s amendments could shape the outcome.