Waqf Amendment Bill Likely to Be Tabled in Lok Sabha on April 2

The amended Waqf Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, with the Rajya Sabha scheduled to take it up the following day. The bill, currently under opposition criticism, was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in August last year.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has held discussions with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners to ensure support for the bill's passage. Key ministers, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, have contacted alliance members to highlight the bill's importance and encourage their participation.

Rijiju Criticizes Opposition’s Stance

Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government is prepared to table the bill and accused some political groups of spreading misinformation. He urged critics to read the bill thoroughly and avoid misleading the public.

“India is a democracy where everyone has a right to express themselves, but deliberate misinformation is harmful,” Rijiju said. He also warned that groups trying to create unrest are being identified.

NDA Holds Majority in Both Houses

The NDA has a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, with 293 MPs. This includes:

BJP: 240

JD(U): 12

TDP: 16

LJP (Ram Vilas): 5

RLD: 2

Shiv Sena: 7

In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA commands 123 seats out of 236 — exceeding the 119 needed for a majority. BJP holds 98 of those, with support from JD(U), TDP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and RLD.

Key Allies Yet to Reveal Final Stance

While the BJP is confident about the support of its allies, some have yet to declare their positions. JD(U) said it will examine the final draft to ensure its concerns are addressed. The TDP has promised to safeguard Muslim community interests regarding Waqf properties but has not commented on the bill’s controversial sections.

Opposition Resistance Continues

Opposition parties and several Muslim organizations remain opposed to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. They argue that the legislation is unconstitutional and detrimental to the Muslim community. Protests and campaigns have emerged in response to the proposed changes.

Read More: Delhi Airport to Begin Trials of Radiation-Free Full-Body Scanners in May 2025