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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a whip on Tuesday, directing all its Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) to attend Parliament on April 3, 2025.
The mandate comes in the wake of important legislative matters that are expected to be discussed and voted on that day. In addition to this, the party also issued a similar instruction for its Lok Sabha MPs, requiring their presence on April 2, 2025, for the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
According to the BJP’s communication, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be presented for passage in the Lok Sabha on April 2, with the Rajya Sabha to deliberate on the legislation the following day.
The letter from the party leadership emphasised the importance of MPs being present to support the government’s position during these discussions.
The Waqf Amendment Bill has stirred significant controversy, with opposition parties criticising it as an attempt to appease certain communities for political gains.
The opposition is expected to hold a meeting of the INDIA bloc floor leaders at 6 pm on Tuesday to discuss their strategy on how to oppose the bill.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using appeasement politics for electoral purposes, stating that each of their decisions seemed aimed at garnering votes.
Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), stated that his party would participate in the debate, propose amendments, and highlight its concerns.
Owaisi added that his party believes the bill to be unconstitutional and in violation of Muslims' freedom of religion.
This bill, which was first presented in the Lok Sabha last August, aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by Jagdambika Pal, was formed for further scrutiny of the bill.
The amendment seeks to address issues in the regulation and management of Waqf properties in India, aiming to improve the administration and enhance efficiency.
Key provisions of the bill include updates to the registration process, renaming of the act, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
The Waqf Act of 1995 has long been criticised for mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments in relation to Waqf properties, making this amendment a significant subject of debate in Parliament.
