Wed Apr 02 02:50:03 UTC 2025: ## Waqf Amendment Bill Set for Heated Parliamentary Debate

**New Delhi, April 2:** The highly anticipated Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is scheduled for debate and potential passage in Parliament today. Both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have issued strict whips to their MPs, ensuring full attendance for what is expected to be a contentious debate. The lack of bipartisan consensus means the bill’s fate will likely hinge on sheer numbers in the House.

Following Question Hour, the bill will be tabled for consideration, triggering an eight-hour discussion, potentially extending even longer. Allies of both the BJP-led NDA and the INDIA bloc have also issued similar whips.

Opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party, have voiced strong criticism of the bill. SP chief whip Dharmendra Yadav issued a three-line whip, demanding the presence of all Lok Sabha MPs for Tuesday’s discussions. Meanwhile, INDIA bloc floor leaders met to strategize their response.

The bill, initially introduced last August, underwent review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by Jagdambika Pal. It aims to address long-standing concerns regarding the management of Waqf properties, including mismanagement, corruption, and encroachment, by modernizing the 1995 Waqf Act. Proposed changes include renaming the act, clarifying definitions, streamlining registration, and leveraging technology for better record-keeping. The outcome of today’s parliamentary session will be closely watched.

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