NDA united as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tables Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha; where does the number game stand

The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has been tabled in the Lok Sabha, with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holding a clear majority in both Houses, making its passage almost certain. Despite opposition from the I.N.D.I. alliance and various Muslim organisations, the government’s numerical strength ensures that the bill will likely sail through without significant hurdles other than ruckus by the opposition MPs.

In the Lok Sabha, the NDA commands a strong majority with 293 MPs by its side which is well above the coveted half-way mark of 272 needed for a simple majority.

The BJP itself holds 240 seats, while its key allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with 16 MPs, Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) with 12 MPs, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP-RV) with 5 MPs, and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) with 7 MPs, add to the ruling coalition’s strength. Several other smaller allies contribute a combined 13 MPs, further securing the government’s position.

Meanwhile, the I.N.D.I. alliance, which includes Congress (99 MPs), Samajwadi Party (37 MPs), Trinamool Congress (28 MPs), DMK (22 MPs), and others, holds 235 seats. Even with the support of AIMIM (2 MPs) and YSR Congress Party (4 MPs), the opposition remains short of the numbers required to block the bill.

The NDA has also issued a whip to ensure full attendance, making it almost impossible for the opposition to overturn the government’s majority.

Additionally, BJP’s key allies, including TDP, JD(U), and Shiv Sena, have directed their members to “support” the government’s stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. These parties, despite having their regional interests, have aligned with the BJP on this matter, ensuring there are no defections or abstentions within the NDA. This further solidifies the government’s grip over the vote count, leaving little room for any surprises.

In the Rajya Sabha, where 119 votes are needed to pass the bill, the NDA already holds 125 seats, further strengthening its position. The BJP leads with 98 MPs, backed by allies such as JD(U) with 4 MPs, TDP with 2 MPs, Ajit Pawar’s NCP with 3 MPs, and other smaller partners.

Given this advantage, the bill is expected to pass smoothly in the Upper House as well. Even if the opposition attempts to delay proceedings, the Rajya Sabha cannot permanently block a bill that has been passed in the Lok Sabha.

Also Read: Amid hue and cry by opposition parties and AIMPLB, All India Muslim Jamaat Chief says Waqf Amendment Bill will benefit Muslims

With a comfortable NDA majority in both Houses, strict party whips ensuring attendance, and the opposition’s lack of numbers, the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is virtually assured. Despite heated debates and fuss by the opposition, the government is in full control of the legislative process, and the bill’s approval appears to be a mere formality.