BJP issues whip to its MPs, Waqf Bill in Parliament tomorrow

The reworked Waqf (Amendment) Bill is all set to be brought in the Lok Sabha for passage on Wednesday

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday has issued a whip to all its Lok Sabha MPs, mandating their presence in Parliament on April 2, 2025.

The reworked Waqf (Amendment) Bill is all set to be brought in the Lok Sabha for passage on Wednesday with a Parliamentary committee allocating eight hours for its discussion in a meeting that saw the Opposition walking out in protest.

BJP issues whip to all Lok Sabha MPs to be present in Parliament tomorrow, 2nd April.On 2nd April, Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced for consideration and passing. pic.twitter.com/8coAnUDpyg

ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2025

According to PTI,  a meeting  of INDIA bloc floor leaders will be held on Tuesday at 6 pm to discuss the strategy on Waqf Amendment Bill issue.

Later,  inorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will respond to the debate  after eight hours of proposed discussion and seek the approval of the House for its passage.

The government, while introducing the bill last year, had proposed referring it to a joint committee of the two Houses.

After the report was submitted by the panel, the Union Cabinet had approved certain changes to the original bill based on the committee's recommendation.

The opposition has demanded 12 hours of discussion at the BAC meet while government insisted on lesser time so that other legislative business could also be taken up.

This led to heated exchange in the meeting between the government and opposition side, leading to a walk out by the opposition.

Later, talking to reporters Rijiju said that immediately after the Question Hour which concludes at 12 noon, he will move the bill for consideration and passage.

Meanwhile, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the opposition stormed out of BAC meet as the government was bulldozing its agenda and demands for discussions on voter card-Aadhaar seeding were not accepted.

"There is no space for the opposition," he alleged.

Opposition parties are strongly opposing the bill, calling it unconstitutional and against the interest of the Muslim community. The bill seeks to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties in India.