Waqf Bill Passage Marks High Point of Budget Session as Parliament Records Over 100% Productivity
The second leg of the Budget Session concluded on Friday, with the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill emerging as the most significant legislative development of the session.
New Delhi: The second leg of the Budget Session concluded on Friday, with the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill emerging as the most significant legislative development of the session. The bill, passed after intense debate, sparked strong reactions both inside and outside Parliament, and symbolized the ruling NDA’s firm legislative resolve in its third term.
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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted that both Houses saw remarkable productivity—118% in Lok Sabha and 119% in Rajya Sabha—underscoring an unusually efficient session that witnessed more debates than disruptions. In total, 16 bills were passed, including the extension of President’s rule in Manipur.
Historic Sitting, Political Polarization
The Rajya Sabha made history with an uninterrupted sitting of over 17 hours, from 11 AM Thursday till early Friday morning, to debate and pass the Waqf Bill. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill late Thursday night. The bill secured 128 votes in favour and 95 against in Rajya Sabha, and 288-232 in Lok Sabha.
While the BJP-led NDA pushed through the bill as part of its reform agenda, the INDIA bloc termed it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” Despite this, the bill passed with a comfortable majority, aided by “conscience voting” from some members and the support of parties like BJD, while AIADMK sided with the opposition.
Opposition’s Allegations, Government’s Response
The session also saw sharp criticism from the Congress, particularly over Speaker Om Birla’s remarks on Sonia Gandhi’s claim that the bill was “bulldozed.” Rijiju defended the legislative process, pointing out the extensive debates and voting on opposition-sponsored amendments.
He added that opposition members were free to challenge the law in court, reinforcing democratic values.
Legislative and Political Takeaways
Besides the Waqf Bill, Parliament also passed the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session’s first half was marked by the Prime Minister’s replies to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s record eighth consecutive budget.
Rijiju said the passage of the Waqf Bill sent a strong message that the BJP remains ideologically resolute and politically determined, despite electoral setbacks in the 2024 national polls. The government effectively countered the opposition’s attacks on issues such as economic distress, the three-language policy, and delimitation, while showcasing India’s global economic standing and political stability.
