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Key Points

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a parliamentary whip directing its 16 MPs to support the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Muslim organizations have strongly opposed the bill, boycotting Chandrababu Naidu's Iftar party to express their dissent. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board claims the amendments will harm Waqf properties and Muslim community interests. The TDP, a key NDA ally, seems determined to back the government's legislative move despite mounting protests.

Key Points: TDP Backs Modi's Waqf Bill Amid Muslim Leader Protests

  • TDP commits 16 MPs to support controversial Waqf Amendment Bill
  • Muslim organizations protest Naidu's stance
  • AIMPLB calls for boycott of Iftar parties
  • Bill seen as potentially impacting Muslim community properties
3 min read

Waqf Bill: TDP issues whip to its MPs in Lok Sabha to support govt stand

TDP issues parliamentary whip supporting Waqf Amendment Bill, sparking controversy with Muslim organizations opposing legislative changes

"All TDP members in Lok Sabha are hereby requested to support the government's stand - G. M. Harish Balayogi, TDP Chief Whip"

Amaravati, April 1

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has issued a whip to all its Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha for April 2, when the Waqf Amendment Bill is scheduled to be introduced in the House.

The party has issued a three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament, directing them to be present in the Lok Sabha and support the government’s stand.

"This directive comes in light of the scheduled introduction of the Waqf Bill, which is expected to be a matter of significant discussion in the House. The party remains committed to ensuring that its stance on this important legislation is effectively represented," the TDP, a partner in the BJP-led NDA government, said in a statement.

G. M. Harish Balayogi, TDP’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha, issued the whip. "All TDP members in Lok Sabha are hereby informed that some very important legislative business will be taken up for passing in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, i.e 2nd April 2025. All members of TDP in Lok Sabha are therefore, requested to be present in the House, throughout the day on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025 and support the government’s stand,” reads the whip.

With 16 MPs in Lok Sabha, the TDP is a key partner in the Narendra Modi government, and its support will be crucial to pass the controversial bill.

Muslim organisations on March 27 boycotted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Iftar party to protest his tacit support for the Waqf Amendment Bill.

On a call given by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Muslim leaders had stayed away from the Iftar and dinner.

The boycott call was given to mount pressure on the TDP to make the Narendra Modi government withdraw the Waqf Bill.

The AIMPLB had called for a boycott of Iftar parties hosted by the TDP-led NDA government in Vijayawada and other places in Andhra Pradesh to demand that the TDP make the Union Government withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill from Parliament.

In October last year, an AIMPLB delegation had met Chandrababu Naidu and urged him to oppose Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in the Parliament.

The delegation apprised the Chief Minister of their objections to the amendments proposed by the Narendra Modi government to the Waqf Act.

The Muslim leaders told Naidu that the proposed amendments would destroy Waqf properties and hurt the sentiments of Muslims.

The leaders of AIMPLB and other organisations explained how the amendments would harm the very purpose of Waqf and would prove detrimental to the interests of the community. The TDP chief assured the Muslim leaders that the party would take an appropriate decision after a discussion over the issue.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting to see how coalition politics plays out here. TDP walking a tightrope between supporting their ally and addressing minority concerns. Hope they find a balanced approach 🤔
S
Sunita P.
The boycott of Iftar parties sends a strong message. Religious institutions should maintain their autonomy. Government interference in waqf matters seems unnecessary.
V
Vikram J.
While I generally support the government's reforms, this bill needs more public discussion. The hurried whip suggests they're trying to push it through without proper debate. That's not how democracy should work.
A
Ayesha M.
As a Muslim, I appreciate AIMPLB standing up for our rights. Waqf properties are meant for community welfare and shouldn't be politicized. Hope TDP listens to the concerns 🙏
K
Karthik R.
Political compulsions vs principles - classic dilemma for regional parties in alliances. TDP's 16 MPs might be small in number but crucial for this bill's passage. Interesting times ahead!
P
Priya S.
The article mentions the bill is controversial but doesn't explain why. Would appreciate more details about what exactly is being amended and why Muslim organizations oppose it. #MoreContextNeeded

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