New Delhi:
Chandrababu Naidu’s decision of secular parties like Telugu Desam Party and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal has raised eyebrows in political circles to support the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. Sources said there were attempts to secure support from the BJP’s coalition partners at its lower part on controversial issues.
Traditionally, TDP and JD (U) – a lot of dependent on Muslim support – has taken a stance on the wandering from the BJP on issues related to Muslims, especially on matters such as uniform civil codes. Sources said that the discussion of the rear scenes has inspired the BJP to convince these parties to support the bill.
Before introducing the bill in August, senior ministers informed the TDP and JD (U) leadership about its importance. He also consulted the leaders of the Allies with the leaders of Chirag Paswan and the leaders of the Rashtra Lok Dal of Jayant Chaudhary, explaining the need and emphasized that its purpose was to protect Muslim interests and ensure women’s rights, rather than that they protests as polarization communities.
Although the friendly nations agreed with a widespread outline, they worked about some provisions, especially about the impact on existing WAQF properties and encroachment on the rights of state governments.
Subsequently, the bill was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which accepted 14 amendments which included important suggestions from JD (U) and TDP.
JD (U) emphasized that new laws should not be applied retrievable to avoid intervention with existing mosques, temples or other Muslim religious places.
He also emphasized the consultation states about decisions on Waqf land, as land is a state subject. The TDP advocated to maintain the autonomy of the states and suggested to appoint senior officials above the collector level to resolve the dispute and expand the timeline to upload the documents related to Waqf on the portal.
The revised bill included these suggestions, which gave its approval by the cabinet.
The leaders of JD (U) and TDP have expressed their support for the bill, highlighting its alignment with the interests of Muslim women and marginalized communities. LJP and RLD have also supported the bill.
Before the bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah met JD (U) leaders Lallan Singh and Sanjay Jha at Parliament House, stating that the party’s suggestions were included in the bill.
During the Lok Sabha debate, Lallan Singh strongly supported the bill, rejecting concerns that it was against Muslim interests. He highlighted the steps taken by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the welfare of Muslims, which mention them several times in the light of the upcoming Bihar elections.
Similarly, TDP’s KP Teenti stressed that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had taken several decisions to benefit Muslims.
The TDP supported the bill, focusing on the interests of Muslim women, youth and marginalized communities. Other BJP allies including LJP, Hindustan Awam Morch and RLD also tied up with this stand.
Sources have said that the colleagues on the bill reflect the continuity in the leadership style of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from their second to third term.
