The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, with political parties voicing strong support or opposition to its provisions. As the bill prepares to make its way through the parliamentary process, a heated debate is expected, especially given the polarising reactions from various politicians. The key question remains whether the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents will support the bill for passage in Lok Sabha.

Telugu Desham Party (TDP) National Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain has expressed support for the bill, confirming that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is in favour of the Muslim community. According to news agency ANI, Jain said, “The whole Muslim community is waiting for the Waqf Amendment Bill to be tabled… Our party will support it. Chandrababu Naidu has already mentioned that we will work in the interests of the Muslim community.” He added, “Tomorrow, the bill will be tabled, only then we will make any comments on it. I assure you that Chandrababu Naidu is in favour of Muslims.”

Meanwhile, Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State and JD(U) MP, also reaffirmed his party’s backing for the bill. “Our party stands with the Government. When it (the bill) comes tomorrow, it will be deliberated on… They (the Opposition) can oppose after it is discussed… Bill will be presented at 12 noon… JD(U) stands with the Government,” Thakur remarked.

#WATCH | On Waqf Amendment Bill, MoS & JD(U) MP Ram Nath Thakur says, "Our party stands with the Govt. When it (Bill) comes tomorrow, it will be deliberated on...They (Opposition) can oppose after it is discussed...Bill will be presented at 12 noon...JD(U) stands with the Govt." pic.twitter.com/hJFxubdcmy

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2025

However, JD(U) leader Ahmad Ashfaque Karim voiced a dissenting opinion, urging for the bill to be withdrawn. “We hope that Chandrababu Naidu, who is a strong soldier of secularism from Andhra, and our CM (Nitish Kumar) will deliberate over this overnight that the Bill be withdrawn… I say this as an individual… I urge the CM to make this Bill be withdrawn…” Karim said.

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On Waqf Amendment Bill, JD(U) leader Ahmad Ashfaque Karim says, "We hope that Chandrababu Naidu, who is a strong soldier of secularism from Andhra, and our CM (Nitish Kumar) will deliberate over this overnight that the Bill be withdrawn...I say this as an… pic.twitter.com/R951JoENnq

— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2025

In contrast, RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, vehemently criticised the bill. He called it “Nagpur ka Kanoon” (Nagpur’s law), labelling it unconstitutional and against the diversity of India. Yadav stated, “We believe in the ‘Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb’ (the composite culture of India) and the diversity of our country is its beauty. This is an unconstitutional Bill. We are people who believe in the Constitution. People of BJP want to impose ‘Nagpur ka kanoon’; that is not at all acceptable to us. We will oppose it even in the future. Such a Bill will never be acceptable to us.”

Critics of the bill, including AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have labelled it unconstitutional. Owaisi stated, “This is not the Waqf Bill, rather it’s a ‘Waqf Barbaad Bill’ (Waqf Destruction Bill).” He also criticised NDA allies like Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and Jayant Chaudhary for supporting the bill, questioning their political motivations.

Waqf (Amendment) Bill To Be Tabled In Lok Sabha Tuesday Amid Govt-Oppn Deadlock

The bill is expected to be discussed for eight hours in the Lok Sabha, with Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responding to the debate and seeking approval for its passage. The issue led to intense debates at the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. While the opposition demanded twelve hours for discussion, the government insisted on a shorter timeframe to accommodate other legislative business. Rijiju later criticised the opposition for walking out of the meeting, claiming they were making excuses to avoid the discussion, news agency PTI reported.

While opposition parties remain steadfast in their opposition to the bill, claiming it is against the interests of the Muslim community, several Muslim organisations have rallied against the proposal. The bill aims to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties in India.

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using the bill for political gains, stating, “Every decision of BJP is for votes and to make their people happy… Samajwadi Party is against the Waqf Bill. They (BJP) want complete control.”

BJD MP Sasmit Patra expressed concern over whether opposition voices were adequately considered in the bill’s formulation. “As for the specifics of the bill, its copies have not been circulated yet. BJD has serious concerns about this bill. The concern is not that the JPC met, but whether the voice of the opposition has been taken into consideration or not,” Patra said.

Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, in contrast, defended the bill, arguing that political narratives surrounding it were misleading. He stated, “Indian Muslims don’t want appeasement but empowerment. I want to assure Muslims that this Bill will empower them.”

The debate surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is set to continue with strong opposition from various quarters, but the government appears determined to push it through, despite the vocal objections.