TDP Backs Waqf Amendment Bill with Demand for State Discretion on Non-Muslim Inclusion

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an important ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, has declared its support for the Waqf Amendment Bill. Scheduled for discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the Bill has received a formal backing from TDP, which has also issued a whip directing its 16 MPs to vote in favor of the legislation.

Request for Flexibility on Non-Muslim Representation

Despite its overall support, the TDP is set to recommend a specific change. The party seeks to allow state governments the authority to decide whether to include non-Muslims in state Waqf Boards. A TDP insider told The Indian Express that the party will "unanimously demand" that this decision remain with the respective states.

Support for Women’s Inclusion in Waqf Boards

Apart from its stance on non-Muslim participation, the TDP has backed all other amendments in the Bill. This includes the proposal to allow women members on Waqf Boards, a move the party called a "progressive change."

Naidu Consults Legal and Community Stakeholders

The party's official position followed a late-night meeting led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. During the meeting, Naidu consulted legal experts and engaged with Muslim community representatives to understand the implications of the proposed amendments.

Ensuring Muslim Community’s Confidence

According to TDP sources, the party's suggestion regarding non-Muslim representation is meant to ensure that no significant structural change disrupts the existing Waqf Act. The TDP emphasizes that it endorses reforms that aim to benefit the Muslim community.

Muslim Support Key to TDP Strategy

The TDP sees Muslim voters as an essential support base. CM Naidu recently stated at an Iftar event in March that the community has been treated fairly under TDP governance and would benefit further under the NDA.

BJP Relies on Allies for Bill Passage

Given its lack of a solo majority in the Lok Sabha, the BJP depends on its allies like the TDP and JD(U) to pass the Bill. Together, these two parties contribute 28 seats and have already extended support during the Bill’s initial tabling in August.

Parliamentary Schedule for the Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha around noon on Wednesday, with an eight-hour discussion window allotted. The Rajya Sabha is expected to take up the Bill on Thursday.

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