Ahead of the Waqf Amendment Bill debate in Lok Sabha, opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc and like-minded parties announce united resistance, promising a robust, academic discussion without disruptions.
April 2, 2025: As the Waqf Amendment Bill comes up for debate and passage in the Lok Sabha today, the entire INDIA bloc has announced a united stand against it. The opposition alliance, joined by several non-aligned parties, has agreed to participate in the discussion fully and vote against the bill, citing it as a violation of the Constitution.
RSP MP NK Premachandran confirmed, “We have decided to actively participate in the discussion… There will be strong opposition during the passage of the bill, but no walkouts or disruptions.”
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which proposes reforms to enhance the management of Waqf properties in India, has been labeled as controversial and unconstitutional by the opposition.
Key developments:
- The Congress, Trinamool Congress, and RJD have issued whips to ensure full attendance of MPs for the next three days of the session.
- Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal emphasized the bill is a “clear-cut violation of the Constitution” and called for “like-minded parties” to join their protest.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that eight hours have been allocated for the debate, but the opposition has demanded 10 hours.
- While the NDA parties—including TDP, JD(U), Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and LJP (Ram Vilas)—have issued whips supporting the bill, cracks in consensus are visible with AIADMK, BRS, and BJD voicing concerns or opposing the bill outright.
- BRS leader K Kavitha, citing the party’s long-standing support for the Muslim community, said they would oppose the bill. Similarly, BJD MP Sasmit Patra questioned the process, saying “copies of the fresh bill are yet to be circulated.”
The Lok Sabha currently has 542 members. The NDA commands 293 MPs, but the consolidated opposition effort—especially with support from neutral parties—could make the vote more contentious than expected.
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As the bill heads into debate today, both sides are preparing for a high-stakes constitutional and political clash, with larger implications for minority rights and legislative transparency.
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Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, INDIA bloc, Lok Sabha debate, RSP MP NK Premachandran, KC Venugopal, AIADMK against Waqf bill, BJD Waqf bill concerns, BRS K Kavitha, NDA whip, Muslim community rights, constitutional violation, opposition unity, parliament news