NDA allies are now calling for changes to the Waqf Bill to ensure it protects the interests of the Muslim community. The JD(U), which had supported the bill when it was first introduced, has now changed its position.

The first meeting of the parliamentary joint committee on the bill took place on Thursday. During the meeting, members expressed their views. The LJP, led by Ram Vilas Paswan, and the TDP called for consideration of Muslim interests in the bill. JD(U) has demanded modifications and concessions in the bill, even though it had initially supported it unconditionally.

Calls for Bill Changes

When the bill was introduced, JD(U) minister and MP Lalan Singh strongly supported it. However, JD(U) minister Jama Khan later raised concerns about certain provisions with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

In the past three days, JD(U) leaders Sanjay Jha and Jama Khan met with Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju to express their concerns about the bill.

The meeting was chaired by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Opposition MPs, including Congress and TMC members, strongly opposed the bill, calling it unconstitutional. There was also some heated discussion between ruling and opposition members.

Nationwide Protests Expected

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which opposes the bill, claimed that NDA leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar assured them of support against the bill. The board warned of nationwide protests if the government does not withdraw the bill.

During the meeting, officials from the Minority Affairs and Law Ministries presented the bill. Some BJP and other members complained that the officials were not well-prepared to answer questions. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for August 30, and the committee is considering inviting various stakeholders for future discussions.