BJP’s Big Test! Will NDA Allies Help Pass the Waqf Bill
Government Moves Forward with Revised Waqf Bill Amid Political Scrutiny
The Union Cabinet has approved 14 amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, as proposed by the Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP). This clears the path for the revised bill to be tabled in the second half of the Budget Session starting on March 10, sources confirmed on Thursday.
With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holding 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, just below the majority mark, the votes of allies such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)] will be critical for passing the bill.
Key Amendments in the Revised Waqf Bill
The 14 amendments approved by the JCP on January 27 were put forward by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members within the parliamentary panel. Meanwhile, 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected through voting.
Some of the significant amendments include:
- Extended Time for Property Registration: The six-month window for registering Waqf properties on a dedicated portal has been relaxed.
- Change in Decision-Making Authority: The responsibility of determining whether a property is Waqf-owned or government land has been shifted from the district collector to a state government official.
- Inclusion of Muslim Law Expert in Tribunals: One member of the Waqf tribunal must now possess knowledge of Muslim law and jurisprudence.
Political Dynamics: BJP’s Strategy to Secure Votes
The BJP is optimistic about getting the bill passed with support from its allies. With 240 members in the Lok Sabha, the party requires backing from:
- TDP (16 members)
- JD(U) (12 members)
- LJP (RV) (5 members)
- Other NDA Allies (5 members combined), including Rashtriya Lok Dal (2), Janata Dal Secular (2), and Apna Dal (S) (1)
Since the JD(U) and TDP were among those proposing amendments, their support is likely.
Opposition’s Stand and Controversy
Opposition parties within the JCP had earlier raised concerns regarding procedural transparency. On February 13, they alleged that portions of dissent notes submitted by their MPs were redacted without their knowledge. Following backlash, the government agreed to restore some of the omitted sections through a corrigendum in Appendix V of the JCP report.
Opposition members have also criticized the committee’s proceedings, calling them “arbitrary” and “non-transparent.” However, BJP leaders and JCP Chairperson Jagdambika Pal have refuted these allegations, insisting that all procedures were followed correctly.
What’s Next for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill?
With the Cabinet’s approval, the bill is expected to be tabled in the Lok Sabha during the second phase of the Budget Session. The upcoming vote will be a crucial test of the NDA’s unity and ability to push through significant legal reforms.
The amendments to the Waqf Act of 2013 aim to streamline property management, improve dispute resolution, and enhance transparency in Waqf-related matters. However, with political tensions high and the Opposition raising procedural concerns, debates in Parliament are likely to be heated.
