Waqf Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha on April 2; 8-hour debate scheduled

New Delhi: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be presented in the Lok Sabha on April 2, following the Question Hour, with an eight-hour-long discussion scheduled, announced Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday. Rijiju clarified that while some members proposed four or six hours for the debate, the Opposition called for a 12-hour discussion. However, a consensus was reached to allocate eight hours for the discussion, with the possibility of an extension based on the House's feedback, as per the Speaker's discretion.

The Lok Sabha session on Wednesday is expected to be contentious, with the Opposition planning a strong pushback against the bill. A preview of the likely disruption was seen during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting earlier, where Opposition members staged a walkout in protest of the proposed debate time.

Rijiju accused the Opposition of using walkouts and fearmongering tactics to avoid engaging in the discussion about the bill. He emphasized that the government welcomes a detailed debate and believes that all parties should have ample time to express their concerns regarding the bill's provisions.

The Minister also noted that the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) had expressed support for the bill, praising the government's efforts to regulate Waqf properties and resolve related disputes in a transparent manner. Various Catholic organizations in Kerala, including the Kerala Council of Churches, have urged Parliamentarians across all parties to support the bill for the better management of Waqf properties.

With IANS inputs