TDP Directs MPs to Back Government on Waqf Bill
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 1, the TDP directed its Lok Sabha MPs to support the government's position on the Waqf Amendment Bill scheduled for introduction on April 2. This comes amid rising tensions following protests from Muslim organizations against the proposed amendments.
Key Takeaways
- TDP issues a whip for MPs to support Waqf Bill.
- Important legislative matters will be discussed on April 2, 2025.
- Support from TDP is crucial for the bill's passage.
- Muslim organizations protest against the bill.
- AIMPLB calls for a boycott of Iftar parties.
Amaravati, April 1 (NationPress) The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has formally issued a directive to all its Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, mandating their attendance on April 2, when the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be presented in the House.
This three-line whip instructs all TDP MPs to ensure their presence in the Lok Sabha and to back the government’s position.
"This instruction arises from the impending introduction of the Waqf Bill, which is anticipated to generate considerable debate in the House. The party is devoted to making sure that its viewpoint on this significant legislation is duly articulated," the TDP, a coalition partner in the BJP-led NDA government, declared in a statement.
G. M. Harish Balayogi, the TDP’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, issued the order. "All TDP members in the Lok Sabha are hereby notified that important legislative matters will be addressed for approval in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Therefore, all TDP members are requested to be present throughout the day and support the government’s position,” the directive states.
With a total of 16 MPs in the Lok Sabha, the TDP plays a vital role in the Narendra Modi administration, and their support is essential for the passage of this contentious bill.
On March 27, various Muslim organizations boycotted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Iftar event, protesting his implicit endorsement of the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Responding to a call from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Muslim leaders abstained from the Iftar and dinner.
The boycott aimed to exert pressure on the TDP to persuade the Narendra Modi government to withdraw the Waqf Bill.
The AIMPLB had urged a boycott of Iftar gatherings organized by the TDP-led NDA government in Vijayawada and other locations in Andhra Pradesh, demanding that TDP advocate for the removal of the Waqf Amendment Bill from Parliament.
In October of the previous year, an AIMPLB delegation met with Chandrababu Naidu, urging him to contest the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament.
The delegation informed the Chief Minister of their concerns regarding the amendments suggested by the Narendra Modi government to the Waqf Act.
The Muslim leaders conveyed to Naidu that the proposed amendments would jeopardize Waqf properties and offend the sentiments of the Muslim community.
Representatives from AIMPLB and other organizations explained how these amendments would undermine the very essence of Waqf and be harmful to the interests of the community. The TDP chief assured the Muslim leaders that the party would reach a suitable decision following discussions on the matter.
