The Parliament has given its nod to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Following a marathon debate lasting over 12 hours, the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha. The voting saw 128 in favor and 95 against. Previously, the Lok Sabha had passed the bill with 288 supporting votes against 232 opposing. The bill will now await presidential approval to become law.
Opposition parties have expressed sharp reactions to the passage of the Waqf Bill. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, 'There is a prevailing sentiment that the Waqf Board Amendment Bill was introduced to harass minorities. It was passed late night in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. This raises questions about the inherent flaws in the bill. Despite strong opposition from various parties, the bill was brought forward unilaterally. This 'might is right' approach isn't suitable for anyone.'
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav shared an extensive post on X about the Waqf Bill, highlighting that, 'The BJP is talking about identifying lands of Muslim brothers, overshadowing the tragedies that occurred at the Kumbh Mela where Hindus suffered. The introduction of this bill could send a wrong message globally, bruising the secular image of the nation. This is another chapter in BJP's politics of animosity. The Waqf Bill will be a Waterloo for the BJP.'
RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav also posted on X, 'Ignorant BJP allies, you aim to seize Muslim lands, but we have consistently strengthened laws to protect Waqf lands. I regret that during this challenging time for minorities, the poor, Muslims, and the constitution, I am not in Parliament. Nonetheless, my spirit, thoughts, and beliefs remain strong and unwavering. The steadfast adherence to our ideology and principles is the essence of my life.'
The All India Trinamool Congress shared a video of their Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haque’s speech against the Waqf Bill on X, stating, 'The constitution is not just a book; it's a guide leading us on the right path. Our MP's voice in Parliament is crucial in safeguarding our democratic pillars. Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, TMC will always protect constitutional rights and uphold the true spirit of India.'
AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh noted, 'We opposed this bill in the JPC as well. It's against the essence of India’s constitution. The respect due to Baba Saheb Ambedkar and our constitution is not being maintained. This bill seems to aim at creating disputes and discord among communities in the country.'
