The media speculated for a few days about the possibility of a split in the NDA ranks on the Waqf Amendment Bill. The reasoning was that both TDP and the JD(U) receive Muslim votes and would be chary of losing them by backing the proposed amendments. The opposition was not just hoping for the same but had even approached these parties for support. As it turned out, both parties were ‘satisfied that their suggestions were included in the final draft’ and stood solidly with ally BJP in the Lok Sabha.
What has been achieved, however, is that the INDI Alliance’s unity, which had been scattered for quite some time, was restored at least on this issue. It will be hoping that the debate in the Rajya Sabha on the bill will further bring together the alliance and make an impression on the public mind, particularly the Muslim voters.
It is interesting to note that while the proposed bill that each speaker in the Lok Sabha was commenting on was exactly the same, the interpretations of every clause were different, depending on which side of the House the speech was being delivered. In itself the bill is not such an earth-shaking document to deserve such sound and fury, but the fact that it is related to a community that has huge electoral impact made it a ‘critical’ issue impacting India’s democracy and constitution. It is because of this, many of the speakers spoke in polarised communal terms, some uttering words that will soon come back to haunt them. At the same time, there were others who made informed contributions to the debate which were not just interesting but also enlightening. A number of little-known facts came to the fore showing how complex and intriguing have been India’s democracy and parliamentary history.
In the larger context, it is not that the entire Muslim community is united in opposition to the law. Quite a few clerics and community leaders have expressed their support, indicating that there is scope for reform. Some intellectuals have actually claimed that not enough has been done. Others, however, are resolved to take the matter to the streets and the Supreme Court if the bill is also passed by the Rajya Sabha, which indicates that the vested interests will not give up easily. Ultimately, as Home Minister Amit Shah pointed out, the allegations will prove as hollow as was in the case of the CAA.
