Lok Sabha To Hold Eight-Hour Debate On Waqf Amendment Bill Amid Opposition Pushback

The Lok Sabha will take up the Waqf (Amendment) Bill for discussion on April 2, immediately after the Question Hour.

The debate will last for eight hours, with the possibility of an extension, said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday.

Rijiju stated that while some members wanted a shorter discussion, the Opposition demanded 12 hours.

However, a consensus was reached for an eight-hour debate. The Speaker may extend the discussion based on the House’s response.

The session is expected to be stormy, as Opposition parties plan to strongly oppose the bill.

Rijiju noted that tensions flared during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting when the Lok Sabha Speaker announced the debate duration.

Opposition members protested and staged a walkout.

The Minister accused the Opposition of fearmongering and avoiding a meaningful discussion on the bill. He stressed that the government wants a detailed debate, allowing all parties to express concerns about contentious clauses.

“Some parties are trying to create chaos and avoid the discussion. The nation wants to hear their objections,” he said.

Rijiju also welcomed the support of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) and other Christian bodies in Kerala, including the Kerala Council of Churches.

These organizations have urged MPs to back the bill, emphasizing the need for transparent regulation of Waqf properties and dispute resolution.

With strong opposition and government determination, the Lok Sabha is set for a heated debate over the bill.

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