Waqf Bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha today

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, shortly after the Question Hour, followed by an extensive eight-hour debate.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the schedule on Tuesday, stating that while some members suggested four to six hours, the Opposition had demanded 12 hours. A consensus was ultimately reached for an eight-hour discussion, though the Speaker may extend it based on the House’s sentiment.

The debate is expected to be heated, with Opposition parties preparing to strongly contest the Bill. “Some parties are deliberately trying to create chaos and making excuses to avoid the debate. The nation deserves to hear their objections,” Rijiju remarked. As the Minority Affairs Minister, Rijiju will introduce the Bill and outline its provisions during his speech.

The BJP has issued a whip, directing all party MPs to be present. Seven BJP MPs will participate in the debate, including: Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Bill; Ravi Shankar Prasad; Anurag Thakur; Nishikant Dubey, Tejasvi Surya, Abhijit Gangopadhyay and Kamaljeet Sehrawat.