Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key NDA ally, has extended its full support to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, affirming party chief Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to the welfare of the Muslim community. The announcement comes a day ahead of the Bill’s tabling in the Lok Sabha on April 2, and puts to rest speculation about TDP’s stance.
Speaking on behalf of the party, TDP national spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain said, “The Muslim community is waiting for the Waqf Amendment Bill to be tabled. Our party will support it. Chandrababu Naidu has already stated that we will work in the interests of the Muslim community. I assure you, Chandrababu Naidu is in favour of Muslims.”
Bill Aims for Transparency and Reform in Waqf Management
Officially titled the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, the legislation aims to overhaul the management of Waqf properties through digitisation, better audits, and legal mechanisms to reclaim encroached properties. The BJP has maintained that the Bill will benefit poor Muslims and modernise Waqf boards.
JD(U) Seeks Amendments, Opposes Retrospective Application
Another NDA ally, the Janata Dal (United), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has expressed conditional support. JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha said, “The Bill should not be implemented with retrospective effect. Nitish Kumar has always protected the interests of the Muslim community.”
JD(U) leaders also noted that a Muslim delegation had recently met Nitish Kumar to express concerns. Party leader Rajeev Ranjan confirmed that these were raised in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and hoped they had been taken into account.
Bill to Be Tabled After Question Hour on April 2
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (April 2) after the Question Hour. A detailed discussion of eight hours has been agreed upon, with the possibility of an extension depending on the Speaker’s decision.
During a BJP meeting, Rijiju also assured spokespersons that the Bill does not interfere with religious freedom, but rather ensures rights for those previously left out. He emphasised the Bill’s focus on transparency, digitisation, and protection of Waqf properties from encroachment.
