NDA Unites to Back Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament

BJP has garnered unified backing from its NDA partners for the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. This collective support emerged after deliberations within the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), enhancing the bill's prospects in Parliament.

JPC's Role and Amendments

The JPC, led by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, reviewed the bill extensively. In its recent sessions, the committee accepted 14 amendments proposed by NDA members, while rejecting 44 suggestions from opposition MPs.

Key modifications include granting state governments the authority to appoint officers to determine whether a property is Waqf, replacing the earlier role of district collectors. Additionally, a mandatory clause to include two non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards was removed.

NDA's Unified Stance

Initially, some NDA allies maintained a neutral position on the bill. However, through discussions within the JPC, parties such as the Janata Dal (United), Telugu Desam Party, and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) aligned with the BJP's perspective. This consensus was evident as all NDA allies voted in favor of the proposed amendments.

Opposition's Concerns

Opposition members have raised procedural objections, alleging that standard rules were not followed during the JPC's proceedings. They also expressed concerns over the rejection of their proposed amendments.

What Next

The JPC plans to circulate the final draft of the bill among its members and is scheduled to meet on January 29 to adopt the report. The report is expected to be submitted to the Lok Sabha by January 31.

With the NDA presenting a united front, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is poised for passage in Parliament, reflecting the coalition's consolidated approach to legislative reforms.

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