April 01,2025
The Waqf Bill, which was referred to a joint parliamentary committee in August 2024, will be tabled in the Lok Sabha on April 2, sources at India Today TV said. The bill has previously faced strong opposition.
Top BJP ministers are expected to sit down with India Bloc leaders prior to the introduction of the bill in Parliament, sources said.
The ongoing Budget session of Parliament is likely to conclude on April 4. The bill has to be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to become a law.
This bill proposes to alter the manner in which Waqf boards are managed, which handle properties dedicated to religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community. The bill has ignited a political storm, with opposition politicians condemning it as unconstitutional and discriminatory towards Muslims.
Earlier, the Union Cabinet ratified the bill after amending it in line with the recommendations made by the joint committee, clearing the way for its consideration in Parliament. The bill was initially presented to the Lok Sabha by Rijiju before being referred to the committee in August 2024.
The parliamentary committee adopted the report by a majority of votes, but 11 opposition MPs voiced their dissent and put forward their views.
Last week, the report running to 655 pages was made available to both Houses of Parliament.
At the same time, Rijiju said that the government was willing to move the revised bill and blamed some political parties and sections for attempting to create a ruckus and confuse people about what the bill is about.
"There are certain groups, particularly from political parties, attempting to mislead people about the Waqf Amendment Bill. I would like to specifically tell them not to mislead people and read the bill carefully. India is a democratic country, and all have the right to put their views, but we should not mislead people with lies. The Waqf Bill will be pending, and we are identifying such groups. This is not good for our country," Rijiju stated on Monday.
The bill has aroused a political controversy. It has been called "unconstitutional" by some, but leaders of the ruling party have justified it as a way to prevent secret dealings and safeguard Waqf funds from abuse.
