INDIA Bloc gears up to oppose Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament

The Opposition parties have united to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, set to be discussed in the Lok Sabha tomorrow.

Following a meeting of all Opposition parties, it has been decided that they will actively engage in the discussion and vote against the bill.

NK Premachandran from the RSP confirmed the plan to NDTV, stating, “We will actively participate in the discussion and strongly oppose the passage of the bill.” He also noted that there would be no walkouts, disruptions, or demonstrations, emphasising that the discussion would be academic and focused on highlighting the bill’s flaws and shortcomings.

The bill, which claims to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties in India, has been labeled unconstitutional by the Opposition. The Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have already issued whips to their Lok Sabha MPs, ensuring their presence in the House for the next three days.

Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal reiterated that the bill violates the Constitution, urging like-minded parties to join the Opposition’s efforts. The AIADMK has declared its intention to vote against the bill, while BJD and BRS have expressed reservations.

BJD MP Sasmit Patra voiced concerns about whether the views of the Opposition were considered, mentioning that copies of the revised bill had yet to be circulated. Meanwhile, K Kavitha, BRS leader and daughter of party chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, confirmed her party’s opposition to the bill.

“We have always worked for the empowerment of the Muslim community. During the Telangana movement, the community supported us,” she said.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that approximately eight hours have been allotted for the discussion, although the Opposition has requested a 10-hour debate. The bill had previously been introduced last year, with a recommendation for review by a joint committee of both Houses. Following the committee’s report, the Cabinet approved modifications to the bill.