The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a whip to its members, ensuring their presence in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday when the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be discussed. The BJP's confidence is bolstered by the support of crucial allies, including the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), all of whom have pledged backing for the bill.
Senior leaders within the BJP have expressed confidence that the coalition partners' support will be pivotal in the bill’s passage through Parliament. The bill, which proposes significant changes to the regulation of waqf properties, is expected to be debated in the Lok Sabha at noon on Wednesday. Both the BJP and JD(U) have issued whips to ensure their members' attendance, with JD(U) clarifying its support for the bill.
The BJP has 240 lawmakers in the Lok Sabha, and with the backing of JD(U) (12 MPs), TDP (16 MPs), LJP (5 MPs), and other smaller parties, it is confident of securing the necessary votes to pass the bill. A simple majority of 272 votes is required for the bill to pass in the 542-member Lok Sabha.
In the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds 125 seats, the bill needs 119 votes to succeed. The NDA’s strength is further reinforced by the support of smaller parties like the Asom Gana Parishad and Tamil Maanila Congress, as well as six nominated members.
As the debate heats up, the NDA remains optimistic that with the unified support of its allies, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will clear both Houses of Parliament.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)