The three amendments proposed by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill have been approved. In doing so, TDP has decided to fully support the bill. The party will vote in favor of the bill in the Lok Sabha tomorrow. Additionally, proposals from the JD(U) have also been accepted. As a result, it is believed that Nitish Kumar's party may also support the bill in the Lok Sabha.
What were TDP's suggestions?
TDP had proposed an amendment related to 'Waqf by User', which stated that 'any Waqf by User properties that have been registered before the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, will remain Waqf properties unless the property in question is disputed or is a government property.' This amendment has been included in the bill.
Source: aajtak
Collector Not Final Authority for Investigations
Moreover, TDP also proposed that the collector should not be the final authority in Waqf matters. The state government can, by notification, appoint a higher-ranking official who will investigate according to the law. This amendment, too, has become a part of the bill.
Extended Time for Submitting Documents
The third major amendment related to extending the timeline for digital documents. Now, if the tribunal is satisfied with the reason for the delay, Waqf will have an additional six months to submit digital documents. Following the acceptance of TDP’s amendments, the party has decided to vote in favor of this bill.
Bill to Be Presented Tomorrow At Noon
The picture is now clear regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. It will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2 at noon. The Business Advisory Committee has approved it. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will issue a three-line whip to ensure the presence of its MPs in the house.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has stated that eight hours have been set aside for discussion, which may be extended with the house's consent. In an exclusive conversation with Aaj Tak, Kiren Rijiju mentioned that while walkouts and excuses cannot be stopped, discussions should take place. Every party will have the opportunity to present its views and arguments.
