The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 has ignited a fierce political battle in Parliament, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pushing for its passage while the opposition mounts strong resistance. Introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha, the bill has faced sharp criticism from opposition parties and Muslim organizations, who argue it is unconstitutional. Despite the intense debate, the NDA’s numerical strength in both houses gives it a strong advantage.
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Opposition’s Strategy: Mobilizing Support Against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
The Congress-led opposition is making strategic moves to rally support against the bill. Efforts are underway to persuade NDA allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janata Dal (United) (JDU), both of which have a significant Muslim voter base. However, these parties, despite initial concerns, are unlikely to vote against the bill, indicating the NDA’s strong grip on parliamentary proceedings.
The Numbers Game: Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Strengths
In the Lok Sabha, the current strength stands at 542, with the majority mark set at 272. The NDA commands a comfortable majority with 293 MPs, comprising 240 BJP members, 16 TDP, 12 JDU, and five MPs from LJP (Ramvilas), along with support from independents and smaller parties. On the other side, the opposition holds 238 seats, led by Congress (99), Samajwadi Party (37), and Trinamool Congress (28).
The scenario in the Rajya Sabha is more balanced, but the NDA still maintains an edge. The Upper House has 236 members, with NDA holding 125 seats, including 98 BJP MPs and 19 from allies. Additionally, six nominated members and two independents provide further backing, ensuring a working majority of 125, surpassing the required 119 votes.
Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc has 88 MPs, with key players being Congress (27), TMC (13), DMK (10), and AAP (10). A group of 23 independent and smaller-party members, who are yet to take a clear stance, could play a pivotal role when the bill reaches the Rajya Sabha.
A Recap: How Did the Bill Reach This Stage?
The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was initially introduced on August 8, 2024, but faced strong opposition, leading to its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by Jagdambika Pal. Following JPC’s recommendations and subsequent Cabinet approval, the bill has been reintroduced for discussion.
What’s Next?
With the NDA’s comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha and an edge in the Rajya Sabha, the bill is likely to pass despite opposition uproar. However, the real test lies in how the opposition mobilizes resistance and whether NDA allies remain firmly in support. The debate continues, with both sides gearing up for a historic showdown in Parliament.
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