The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), called on the government to give states more flexibility in determining the composition of Waqf boards.
TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti raised this issue during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
He argued that while framing rules for the bill, the Centre should allow state governments to decide the makeup of Waqf boards in their respective states.
Tenneti hoped that the Centre would consider granting this flexibility, stating it would benefit Muslim women, youth, and the disadvantaged communities. He emphasised that this step would align with the TDP’s commitment to inclusive growth and welfare for all communities, and it would allow state governments to address the specific needs of their populations.
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The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, addressing the regulation and management of Waqf properties. These properties, overseen by Waqf boards, cover around 9.4 lakh acres of land across India, valued at ₹1.2 trillion.
The bill proposes removing Section 40 of the Waqf Act, which allows the boards to determine the status of Waqf properties. Tenneti pointed out that many of these properties have been underused, preventing them from benefiting the wider community. He argued that these properties should be utilised for the greater good.
Party sources had indicated that they may push for a fourth amendment. This amendment would ensure that the decision on non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards is left to each state government.
A source within the party explained that the final draft of the bill already includes three amendments proposed by the TDP, which the party will back. However, they believe this fourth suggestion is crucial and should be incorporated into the bill.
The TDP, along with its ally Jana Sena, have supported the bill.
Both parties had issued a whip to their MPs to ensure their attendance in the Lok Sabha for the discussion on the bill. The TDP has 16 members in the Lok Sabha, while Jana Sena has two.
Despite their support, there has been pressure from some Muslim groups urging the TDP and Jana Sena to reconsider backing the bill.
On March 29, Muslim organisations staged protests in Vijayawada against the Waqf Amendment Bill and called for a boycott of Iftar parties organised by the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh.
TDP's parliamentary party leader, Lavu Krishna Devarayalu, who is also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), had previously proposed three amendments to the bill.
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