Waqf (Amendment) Bill: Will BRS, YSRCP, and BJD Vote Against the Bill in Rajya Sabha or Walk Out? All Eyes on Their Move
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which passed smoothly in the Lok Sabha with a 288-232 vote early Thursday, is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha later in the day.
New Delhi: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which passed smoothly in the Lok Sabha with a 288-232 vote early Thursday, is set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha later in the day. While the ruling BJP-led NDA enjoys a numerical advantage in the Upper House, the margin between the government and the Opposition is expected to be narrower compared to the Lok Sabha.
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NDA Holds the Numbers Advantage
With the current strength of the Rajya Sabha at 236 members, the majority mark stands at 119. The BJP alone has 98 members, including two nominated members, while its allies such as JD(U), TDP, NCP, Shiv Sena, and RLD push the NDA’s tally to 122. Support from independent member Kartikeya Sharma and six unattached nominated members, including Ranjan Gogoi and Sudha Murthy, could further boost the ruling camp’s numbers to around 130.
Opposition Aims for a Tough Fight
The INDIA bloc holds 86 MPs, with Congress (27), TMC (13), DMK and AAP (10 each), RJD (5), and others making up the numbers. The Opposition could also rely on two independent MPs—Kapil Sibal and Ajit Kumar Bhuyan—who are expected to vote against the Bill.
Three crucial non-aligned parties—YSRCP, BJD, and BRS—have declared their opposition to the Bill, collectively holding 18 MPs. However, their final stance remains uncertain, as they may opt for a walkout instead of voting against the Bill.
Final Outcome Hinges on Floor Strategy
With a potential 130 votes in favor and an estimated 106 against, the BJP appears to have the upper hand. However, the final outcome may depend on whether Opposition MPs turn up in full strength and if fence-sitters actively vote against the Bill. The Rajya Sabha session later today will determine the fate of the contentious legislation.
