The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha today, Wednesday, sparking discussions over its proposed changes.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key ally in the Narendra Modi government, is expected to push for an amendment regarding the inclusion of non-Muslims in state Waqf boards.
Sources indicate that the party, which issued a whip on Tuesday to ensure the presence of its 16 MPs in the House, will advocate for leaving the decision on non-Muslim representation to individual states.
“We will demand that states be given the discretion to decide on the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards,” a senior TDP leader stated.
Apart from this, the party is reportedly in favor of other proposed amendments, including the inclusion of women in Waqf boards. “That is a progressive step,” the leader added.
TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was engaged in late-night consultations with legal experts on Tuesday, assessing the bill’s implications.
Naidu has also been in discussions with Muslim groups to gauge their concerns. Following these deliberations, TDP MPs were briefed on the party’s stance for the parliamentary debate.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes several changes, including permitting non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council, which advises both central and state governments on Waqf matters.
The bill states that MPs, former judges, and other eminent persons appointed to the Council need not necessarily be Muslims. Currently, all members are required to be Muslim, with at least two being women.
Additionally, the bill proposes renaming the legislation as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995, to reflect its broader objectives of improving administration and development of Waqf properties.
Another key change states that if a property identified as Waqf is also claimed as government land, the local Collector will determine its ownership and submit a report to the state government. If deemed government property, revenue records will be updated accordingly.
At a recent Iftar event, Naidu had assured that the TDP remains committed to protecting Waqf properties and working in the best interests of the Muslim community.
“Justice has been done to the Muslim community under TDP rule, and they will be better off with the NDA in power,” he had stated.
With the bill now introduced, a heated debate is expected in Parliament as parties take their positions on the proposed reforms.
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