Eight-Hour Debate Slated Amid Opposition Resistance
New Delhi, April 1 – A stormy session awaits the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as it gears up to debate and potentially pass the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill, which has drawn fierce opposition from several political parties.Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is scheduled to reply to the debate following an eight-hour discussion, seeking the House's nod for the bill’s passage. The debate duration, decided by Speaker Om Birla, was fixed after a contentious Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting.
Opposition Walks Out Over Time Allocation
Tensions flared at the BAC meeting, where opposition members demanded 12 hours for debate, citing the bill’s significance and concerns raised by minority communities. The government, however, pushed for a shorter discussion to accommodate other legislative matters.The disagreement led to a walkout by opposition parties, who accused the government of curtailing debate and ignoring their demand to also discuss issues like the voter card-Aadhaar seeding.
Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi slammed the government, alleging that the opposition was being silenced. “There is no space for the opposition,” he remarked, accusing the government of bulldozing its legislative agenda.
Rijiju Defends Government’s Stand
Speaking to reporters after the walkout, Kiren Rijiju noted that various parties had asked for four to six hours of discussion. The Speaker eventually settled on eight hours, with the possibility of extension based on the House’s mood.Rijiju also criticized the opposition for “making excuses to avoid discussion,” questioning the rationale behind their boycott of the BAC meeting. He confirmed that the bill would be moved for consideration right after the Question Hour at 12 noon on Wednesday.
Waqf Bill: What's at Stake
Initially introduced last year, the Waqf Amendment Bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee. Based on the panel’s recommendations, the Union Cabinet approved key changes to the original draft.The bill aims to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties across the country. However, opposition parties and several Muslim organizations have raised red flags, calling the proposed legislation unconstitutional and harmful to the interests of the Muslim community.
With the parliamentary session concluding on April 4, the government is under pressure to clear the bill before the deadline. Once passed by the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha will be formally notified for further deliberation.
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