As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha, the opposition has issued warnings to BJP allies, particularly Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP), cautioning them about the potential repercussions of supporting the bill.
Both JD(U) and TDP, whose backing is crucial for the NDA government’s majority, have indicated their support for the bill. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor emphasized that the government could not pass the bill without the support of leaders like Nitish Kumar.
“The government doesn’t have a majority in Lok Sabha. They are able to introduce this bill only because people like Nitish Kumar are supporting it. If leaders like him do not vote in favor, the government cannot make this law. The BJP does not consider Muslims as their vote bank,” Kishor told ANI.
Kishor further warned that Nitish Kumar would be held accountable for supporting the bill when history evaluates this period. “Leaders like Nitish Kumar, who portray themselves as the well-wishers of the Muslim community, must reflect on whether they are displaying hypocrisy by backing this bill while also speaking of Gandhi, Lohia, and JP. When history is written, the blame for this law will fall more on leaders like him than on the BJP,” he stated.
Adding to the opposition’s criticism, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia ur Rehman Barq, predicted consequences for allies supporting the bill. “The government may have the numbers, but its allies must be aware that if they back this bill, they will have to face severe consequences in the future,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs, mandating their presence during the bill’s tabling.
A press release from the party stated, “The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament, directing them to be present in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2025. This directive comes in light of the scheduled introduction of the Waqf Bill, which is expected to spark significant debate in the House.”
The bill is set to be introduced following the Question Hour for consideration and passage, with an allotted discussion time of eight hours, which may be extended.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to address long-standing issues related to the regulation and management of Waqf properties. The amendment seeks to enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards by renaming the act, updating the definitions of Waqf, improving the registration process, and incorporating technology for better record management.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to oversee Waqf properties, has faced criticism over the years due to allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The proposed amendments aim to rectify these issues and introduce reforms for better administration.
