Waqf Bill 2024: The Waqf Amendment Bill will be presented in the Lok Sabha on April 2 at 12 noon after the Question Hour. Speaker Om Birla has allocated 8 hours for discussion, after which the bill is expected to be passed. BJP has issued a whip to ensure the presence of all its MPs. The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) suggested this schedule, but the opposition demanded a 12-hour debate. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated flexibility, but opposition parties walked out, accusing the government of pushing its agenda. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized the lack of consultation.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav vowed to oppose the bill, while UP CM Yogi Adityanath defended it, calling reforms in Waqf a necessity. Protests erupted in Lok Sabha post-Question Hour, leading the Speaker to adjourn proceedings until 2 pm.
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has triggered a fierce political showdown in both houses of Parliament. The government is pushing for reforms, while the opposition is up in arms. Here’s a complete breakdown of the numbers, the proposed changes, and why this bill is making headlines.
The Number Game: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Dynamics
With BJP and its allies holding a majority, the bill is likely to pass, but not without stiff opposition. Let’s take a look at the numbers:
Lok Sabha (Lower House)
| Total MPs | Support Needed | BJP+ | Congress+ | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 543 | 272 | 294 | 234 | 14 |
The government enjoys a comfortable majority, but TDP and JDU’s 28 MPs will be crucial.
Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
| Total MPs | Support Needed | BJP+ | Congress+ | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 236 | 119 | 121 (115+6 nominated) | 85 | 30 |
With 6 nominated members on BJP’s side, the numbers slightly favor the ruling alliance.
Waqf Bill 2024: Key Differences Between Old and New Waqf Law
The Waqf Board law has remained unchanged for decades. However, the Modi government proposes major reforms. Here’s a comparison:
| Old Waqf Law | Proposed Waqf Amendment Bill |
|---|---|
| Only Waqf Tribunal could hear land disputes. | Disputes can be appealed in civil courts and High Courts. |
| Tribunal’s decision was final. | Tribunal’s decision can be challenged in High Court. |
| Mosque-designated land automatically became Waqf property. | No land will be Waqf unless registered before independence. |
| No non-Muslim or women members in the Waqf Board. | 2 women and 2 non-Muslims to be included in Waqf Board. |
Waqf Bill 2024: Why is the Modi Government Changing the Waqf Board Law?
1. Non-Muslims Can Now Be Part of Waqf Board
For the first time, non-Muslims will be allowed to participate in Waqf Board decisions. This move is aimed at ensuring transparency.
2. Women and Other Muslim Communities to Get Representation
Two women members will be included in the Central Waqf Council. Bohra and Agakhani Muslims will have their own Waqf Boards.
3. More Government Oversight on Waqf Properties
The government wants to increase accountability by including non-Muslim experts and allowing CAG audits of Waqf properties.
4. Land Registration with District Magistrate
The government plans to make Waqf land records digital, ensuring transparency in ownership and preventing illegal land grabs.
5. Legal Recourse for Justice
Currently, if the Waqf Board claims land, the burden of proof lies on the other party. The new bill allows fair hearings in High Court.
Waqf Bill 2024: Political Reactions- Who Stands Where?
Statements by Key Leaders
- Yogi Adityanath (UP CM) – “Waqf Board has become a tool for land encroachments. Reforms are necessary.”
- Milind Deora (Shiv Sena MP) – “Muslims need empowerment, not appeasement. The new bill will benefit them the most.”
- Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM Chief) – “This is an attack on Muslim identity and Waqf properties.”
- Akhilesh Yadav (SP Chief) – “BJP is playing politics for votes. We oppose the bill.”
- Omar Abdullah (J&K CM) – “Targeting Waqf is unfortunate. We will oppose this bill.”
Waqf Bill 2024: What’s Next?
The bill is scheduled for discussion on April 2. With 8 hours allotted for debate, the government is confident of passing it, but opposition parties are gearing up for protests.
The real question is – will these changes bring transparency, or are they aimed at weakening Waqf institutions? Stay tuned for updates!
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