Waqf amendment bill: Voting is to be held in Rajya Sabha on Thursday (April 3, 2025) regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill. Discussion is going on in the Rajya Sabha about this. Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal, the party of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has given a big blow to the opposition’s hopes. A statement has been issued on behalf of Naveen Patnaik’s party, saying that no whip has been issued for voting in Rajya Sabha today.
According to the statement issued by the Biju Janata Dal, the party has asked its MPs that they can vote according to their own. There is no line of party, which is necessary to follow. However, some time ago the BJD MP opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill during the discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Biju Janata Dal has 7 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. The road of NDA has become easier from this stand of BJD. At the same time, the difficulties of the opposition may increase.
What did the BJD say?
BJD MP Sasmit Patra said, ‘Biju Janata Dal has always maintained the principles of secularism and inclusion, ensuring the rights of all communities. We in -depth respect the various sentiments expressed by different sections of minority communities about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Our party, considering these ideas carefully, has entrusted our honorable members in the Rajya Sabha to exercise their conscience in the best interest of the rights of all communities, if the bill comes to vote, there is no whip of the party.
The real examination of the Waqf Bill is to be held in Rajya Sabha
The real examination of the Waqf Bill passed with the majority in the Lok Sabha is to be held in the Rajya Sabha as the majority of the NDA in the Rajya Sabha is stable only on the required number. In such a situation, the MP of any party of the coalition can get voted here and there, there can be a hindrance in the way of passing the bill. However, the ruling party BJP must have breathed a sigh of relief due to not issuing the whip of BJD. BJD MP Sasit Patra said that his party MPs can vote with the voice of their innerta.
What does Rajya Sabha say?
There may be 245 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, but at present there are only 236 MPs inside the House and 9 seats are vacant. A total of 12 MPs can be nominated and their number is still 6. In such a situation, a total of 119 MPs will be needed to pass the bill. If we look at the data, the NDA still has a majority. BJP has 98 MPs and like the Lok Sabha, the party has got the support of parties like JDU, TDP and NCP.