BJP’s Concerns Over TDP’s Support for the Wakf Bill:
The BJP has expressed some worries over the Wakf Bill because of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), their coalition partner. On Friday, TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu defended the Muslim community and declared his dedication to defending Wakf properties. He made it clear that he would not permit these properties to lose their character. The TDP’s backing is essential to the central Modi government’s survival, therefore this has raised some concerns for the BJP.
Prior to the current parliamentary session ending next Friday, the government had previously declared that the Wakf Bill would be introduced and enacted during the final four days of the current session. Because of this, the administration is in a very difficult situation.
Wakf properties are those that are dedicated in the name of Allah, and they cannot be transferred. The Wakf Board, both at the state and central levels, manages these properties. In India, the Wakf Board oversees about 8.7 million acres of land, which is worth approximately 1.5 lakh crore rupees. There have been various complaints about the Wakf Boards in different states. To address these issues, the central government introduced the Wakf (Amendment) Bill.
The bill has been discussed in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is made up of members from both houses of Parliament. The government has pushed through 14 amendments in the bill, which were accepted by the committee, and now the government wants to present and pass the bill in this session.
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The bill gives the government a role in the maintenance and management of Wakf properties across the country. Opponents argue that the bill is unconstitutional and interferes with the religious freedoms of Muslims. The bill was first introduced last August, and at that time, TDP had raised some concerns. However, TDP did not strongly oppose the bill when it was discussed in the JPC. Now, with the final version of the bill being presented, TDP is sending a message that it stands with the Muslim community, likely for political reasons.
This stance of TDP has given some relief to the opposition parties. The Congress party believes that Chandrababu Naidu understands the political danger he might face. The BJP is also trying to gauge Naidu’s level of commitment. Additionally, the BJP is concerned about the situation in Bihar, as if Naidu turns against the bill, Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could follow suit. This would make it difficult for the bill to pass in the Rajya Sabha, damaging the BJP’s reputation.
Bihar Elections and the Wakf Bill: A Risky Move for BJP
Additionally, at the conclusion of this year, there will be state elections in Bihar. If the Muslim community banded together to oppose the measure, it might pose a serious threat to the BJP. Chirag Paswan’s LJP may possibly oppose the bill in an effort to win over Muslims, in addition to Nitish Kumar’s party. That begs the question: will the BJP risk so much to pass the Wakf Bill at such a crucial election time?
Before Eid, Maulana Mohammad Fazlur Rahim Muzaddidi, the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, called on Muslims to wear black badges during Friday prayers as a sign of protest. The BJP is aware that the Muslim community, which already doesn’t have a good relationship with the party, might see the Wakf Bill as an attack on their religious freedom. The BJP has been trying to gain the support of the Muslim “Pasmanda” (backward) community for some time, but it is feared that if the bill is passed, all Muslims may protest against it.
The Wakf Bill may face opposition from the whole Muslim population if it is passed, according to the BJP, as they perceive it as interfering with their religious customs. Other religious groups are not subjected to this type of meddling, which can incite resentment and resistance among Muslims.
