The Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha today. The NDA is expected to secure a majority. The government is advocating for better utilization of Waqf properties, while the opposition is strategizing its resistance.
Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha today: After its passage in the Lok Sabha, the Waqf Amendment Bill is scheduled to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The government is not anticipated to face significant hurdles, as the support of JD(U), TDP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP, all part of the NDA alliance, is considered assured. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, will introduce the bill in the House at 1 PM.
Majority Math in the Rajya Sabha
Currently, the Rajya Sabha has 236 members, requiring 119 votes for a majority. The BJP holds 98 seats, and the NDA alliance's total count reaches 115. With the anticipated support of 6 nominated members, the government's tally would rise to 121, exceeding the required 119 for a majority.
Conversely, the opposition INDIA bloc possesses 85 members, comprising 27 from the Congress and 58 from other allied parties. Additionally, 9 YSR Congress, 7 BJD, and 4 AIADMK members are present in the Rajya Sabha, potentially playing a decisive role for either side.
Amended Bill Introduced Following JPC Report
The bill was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, but due to opposition resistance, it was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Headed by Jagadambika Pal, the committee prepared a comprehensive report, and the amended bill, after cabinet approval, is now being reintroduced.
Benefits of the Bill and Government Arguments
The government asserts that this bill will resolve disputes related to Waqf properties and allow for their better utilization. Furthermore, it will benefit Muslim women by increasing transparency in property management. The government, highlighting the bill's benefits for the Muslim community, is fully prepared for its passage.
Opposition's Resistance and Potential Strategy
Although the government holds a substantial majority in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition may adopt an aggressive stance against the bill. The Congress and other INDIA bloc parties might accuse the government of interfering with Waqf properties. Additionally, opposition parties might allege that the government is exploiting the Muslim community for political gains. Therefore, observing the government's strategy for the bill's passage in the Rajya Sabha will be noteworthy.
