Lok Sabha set for debate on Waqf Amendment Bill as Opposition resists
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha is set to debate and vote on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, with an eight-hour discussion scheduled. The bill has sparked a sharp divide between the government and the Opposition, which has labeled it "unconstitutional."
With a simple majority of 272 votes required for passage, the ruling NDA, which holds 293 seats, is expected to push the bill through. Key allies, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas), have extended support after their recommendations were considered by a joint parliamentary committee. The BJP has issued a whip for its MPs, while Opposition parties have done the same to ensure full attendance.
Despite being outnumbered, the Opposition has vowed to challenge the bill. Congress MP K C Venugopal stated that it contradicts constitutional provisions, while CPI(M) MP John Brittas confirmed plans to demand a division of votes. The INDIA bloc, after a strategy meeting, agreed to participate in the debate and push for a vote count.
Earlier, Opposition leaders walked out of a business advisory committee meeting, accusing the government of curbing their voice. Minorities and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the debate schedule, stating that the Speaker had allowed an eight-hour discussion, extendable if needed. However, the Opposition had demanded 12 hours.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
