The central government is set to present the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday at 12 PM, with the Rajya Sabha expected to debate it on Thursday. The ruling NDA government, led by the BJP, aims to pass the bill through voting after extensive discussions. Given the current strength in both houses, passing the bill may not be a major challenge for the NDA. However, the BJP is relying heavily on key allies like Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP. Meanwhile, the opposition alliance, INDIA, stands united against the bill.
BJP Relies on Allies JD(U) and TDP for Support
Initially, the BJP leadership was uncertain about the stance of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. With Bihar Assembly elections approaching, the ruling party feared that Nitish Kumar might oppose the bill to retain the state’s 17% minority vote. However, JD(U) has officially declared its support, stating that it has consulted various religious organizations, including the Waqf Board and the Muslim Personal Law Board.
In Andhra Pradesh, there are no major elections in the next four years. While TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu is cautious about upsetting the minority vote, he has assured the NDA of his support. On Tuesday, TDP spokesperson Premkumar Jain confirmed that the party would back the bill, emphasizing that Naidu is committed to working in favor of the Muslim community’s interests.
Similarly, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) have issued a three-line whip instructing MPs to vote in favor of the bill.
Opposition United Against the Bill
On Tuesday, opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, SP leader Ramgopal Yadav, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, convened a meeting to strategize their opposition. Representatives from DMK, CPM, CPI, RSP, and AAP were also present.
After the meeting, Kharge accused the Modi government of pushing an unconstitutional and divisive policy through the Waqf Amendment Bill, asserting that all opposition parties stand united against it.
Numbers Favor NDA in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
To pass the bill in the Lok Sabha, the NDA needs 272 votes. With BJP holding 240 seats, JD(U) 12, and TDP 16, along with support from Chirag Paswan’s 5 MPs and Shinde Sena’s 7 MPs, the ruling coalition is in a comfortable position to secure the bill’s passage.
In the Rajya Sabha, NDA has 125 MPs, with 6 vacant seats, requiring at least 118 votes for passage. The BJP’s 98 MPs, along with JD(U)’s 4, Ajit Pawar’s NCP’s 3, and TDP’s 2 MPs, give the NDA an edge. The BJP also expects backing from the Asom Gana Parishad, Tamil Manila Congress, and nominated members.
Key Amendments in the Waqf Bill
Under Section 40 of the existing Waqf Act, the Waqf Board has the sole authority to declare any property as Waqf property. The new amendment aims to transfer this power to the District Magistrate or an equivalent official.
The government argues that the current law allows the Waqf Board to take possession of land without any scope for review, even if objections are raised. The amendment seeks to regulate this process and provide a legal framework for objections and government intervention.
Opposition’s Concerns and Past Controversy
On August 8, 2024, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha amid opposition protests. The opposition, including Congress, TMC, and others, claimed that the bill aims to tighten government control over the Waqf Board by introducing 44 amendments.
The bill was later referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to seek consensus. On December 30, 2024, the JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, recommended presenting the bill with 14 approved amendments. The committee rejected all 44 amendments proposed by opposition MPs, leading to further disagreements.
With the Lok Sabha vote approaching, all eyes are on the final outcome of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has become a major flashpoint in Indian politics.