The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha today, sparking a major political showdown between the BJP-led NDA government and the Opposition INDIA bloc. The bill is expected to be discussed for eight hours before a final vote, while the Rajya Sabha will take it up on April 3.

Who Supports the Bill?

The BJP and its key allies—Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)], Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Shiv Sena—have extended their support to the bill, issuing whips to ensure full attendance in Parliament.

• JD(U): A senior JD(U) leader said the party had consulted the Muslim Personal Law Board and Waqf Board before confirming its support.
• LJP (RV): Party leader Chirag Paswan emphasized that the bill will empower poor Muslims, dismissing the opposition’s claims.
• TDP: Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain said Chandrababu Naidu had assured that the bill would not harm Muslim rights and would work in their interests.
• Shiv Sena: The party issued a three-line whip to its MPs, signaling clear support for the bill.

Who Opposes the Bill?

The INDIA bloc, comprising Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP), CPI, CPI(M), and others, has strongly opposed the bill.

• Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress): "All Opposition parties are united to defeat the unconstitutional and divisive agenda of the Modi government."
• Rahul Gandhi (Congress): "We held a detailed discussion on the Waqf Bill. It must be opposed to protect constitutional values."
• Kalyan Banerjee (TMC): "We want a discussion, but BJP won’t allow it."
• Manoj Jha (RJD): "If the BJP bulldozes the opposition, they may be forced to withdraw the bill."
• Supriya Sule (NCP-SP): "The country is run by the Constitution, and we will debate the bill together."

Does BJP Have the Numbers?

Lok Sabha (542 MPs)

• Majority required: 272 votes
• NDA strength: 282 MPs
  • BJP – 240
  • JD(U) – 12
  • TDP – 16
  • LJP (RV) – 5
  • RLD – 2
  • Shiv Sena – 7

Rajya Sabha (245 MPs)

• Majority required: 119 votes
• NDA strength: 125 MPs
  • BJP – 98
  • JD(U) – 4
  • TDP – 2
  • NCP – 3
  • Shiv Sena – 1
  • RLD – 1
  • Plus support from smaller parties and six nominated members