Waqf (Amendment) Bill Scheduled for 12 PM on April 2, Eight Hours Set for Debate: Kiren Rijiju
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Synopsis
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, with an anticipated eight-hour discussion to follow. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that while the Opposition called for extended debate, a consensus was reached for the allotted time. The session may witness significant pushback from Opposition members.
Key Takeaways
- Waqf (Amendment) Bill being tabled on April 2.
- Eight hours allocated for discussion in Lok Sabha.
- Opposition initially demanded twelve hours.
- Concerns raised about the contentious clauses.
- Support for the bill from Kerala Catholic Bishops Council.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2 (Wednesday) shortly after the Question Hour, followed by a thorough discussion lasting up to eight hours, as stated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday.
While addressing the media, the Minister for Minority Affairs mentioned, “Some members sought six hours, while others requested four hours. Conversely, the Opposition insisted on twelve hours for the debate; however, a consensus emerged for an eight-hour discussion on the bill.”
“Depending on the mood of the House, the Speaker might decide to extend the debate,” he added.
The Lok Sabha is anticipated to experience a heated session on Wednesday, as Opposition members are poised to strongly contest the controversial bill.
A preview of the potential clash regarding the Waqf Bill was evident during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday, as highlighted by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
Rijiju informed the media that even as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced an eight-hour debate on the Waqf Bill, the Opposition initiated a protest and even executed a walkout.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister accused the Opposition of engaging in fearmongering and utilizing walkouts as a strategy to evade discussion on the Bill.
He emphasized that the government is eager for a detailed discussion on the Bill, ensuring all parties have sufficient time to express their concerns regarding the contentious provisions.
“Some parties are intentionally attempting to create disorder over the bill and making excuses to avoid the debate. The nation deserves to hear the objections to this Bill,” he asserted.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also acknowledged support from the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) for the bill and welcomed their endorsement.
Significantly, various Catholic organizations in Kerala, including the Kerala Council of Churches, have shown support for the bill and urged parliamentarians across party lines to endorse it, allowing the government to manage Waqf properties effectively and resolve disputes transparently.
