New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed high drama as AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi tore a copy of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, calling it unconstitutional. His protest came as Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju presented the bill for consideration. The move led to sharp criticism from BJP leaders, including Jagdambika Pal, who slammed Owaisi’s actions as a breach of parliamentary decorum.
“Unconstitutional…”: AIMIM chief Asasuddin Owaisi tears copy of Waqf Amendment Bill
Read @ANI | Storyhttps://t.co/VTzE9hGwDe#AIMIM #AsasuddinOwaisi #KirenRijiju #PMModi #WaqfAmendmentBill pic.twitter.com/jXltqm9jfq
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) April 2, 2025
Bill Faces Strong Opposition
As the Budget Session nears its conclusion on April 4, the Waqf Amendment Bill has become a flashpoint between the ruling NDA and the opposition. The INDIA bloc has vowed to defeat the legislation, arguing that it undermines minority rights. The bill, initially introduced last year, was referred to a joint parliamentary committee for review before being brought back for passage.
What Does the Bill Propose?
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to introduce key changes in the management of waqf properties, aiming for more transparency and efficiency. However, critics argue that it could lead to government overreach into minority affairs.
Reactions & Political Battle
The BJP-led NDA, which holds 293 seats in the 542-member Lok Sabha, remains confident in pushing the bill through. Meanwhile, opposition parties insist they will not allow its passage without a strong fight.
“Owaisi’s act of tearing the bill is against parliamentary norms. It shows a lack of respect for democratic processes,” said BJP leader Jagdambika Pal.
Despite the protests, the government is determined to proceed with the bill’s passage. Will the opposition succeed in blocking it, or will the NDA push it through? The coming days will decide.