Waqf (Amendment) Bill Scheduled for Discussion on April 2, Kiren Rijiju Announces
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Synopsis
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on April 2, with an eight-hour discussion planned. Minister Kiren Rijiju shared that a consensus was reached on the duration amid varying requests from members. The session is expected to be contentious with strong opposition.
Key Takeaways
- Waqf (Amendment) Bill to be introduced on April 2.
- Discussion duration agreed upon is eight hours.
- Opposition protests and walkouts anticipated.
- Government urges thorough debate on the bill.
- Support from Kerala Catholic Bishops Council noted.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2 (Wednesday) immediately after the Question Hour, followed by an in-depth discussion lasting up to eight hours, as stated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday.
In a press interaction, the Minister for Minority Affairs remarked: “While some members advocated for six hours, others suggested four hours for discussion. Nevertheless, the Opposition insisted on a 12-hour debate, but a broad consensus was reached for an eight-hour discussion on the bill.”
“Based on the sentiment of the House, the Speaker may opt to extend the discussion,” he noted.
The Lok Sabha is anticipated to have a turbulent session on Wednesday, with Opposition members poised to strongly oppose the controversial bill.
A preview of the impending clash over the Waqf Bill was observed during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday, as highlighted by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
Rijiju informed the media that while Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed an eight-hour debate on the Waqf Bill, the Opposition protested and even walked out.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister further accused the Opposition of engaging in fearmongering and using walkouts as a strategy to evade discussion on the Bill.
He emphasized that the government is eager for a thorough discussion on the Bill, allowing all parties sufficient time to voice their concerns regarding the contentious provisions.
“Certain parties are intentionally trying to create disorder regarding the bill and making excuses to avoid the debate. The nation deserves to hear the objections to this Bill,” he stated.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister acknowledged the support of 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 their support for the bill, urging Parliamentarians across political lines to endorse it, enabling the government to manage the operations of Waqf properties and resolve disputes transparently.
