New Delhi, April 2, 2025 — The Narendra Modi-led government appears set to secure passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the 543-member Lok Sabha, as the ruling NDA boasts a commanding 293-member support base against an opposition tally of 241.
Despite some allies raising reservations over specific provisions in the bill, particularly regarding the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards and the bill’s retrospective application, key partners are expected to support the legislation, potentially introducing amendments to address these concerns.
The NDA’s numbers are robust: the BJP holds 240 seats, supplemented by critical support from allies including the Telugu Desam Party (16 MPs), Janata Dal (United) (12 MPs), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (5 MPs), and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena (7 MPs). Additional support comes from smaller parties like RLD, JD-S, and JanaSena Party, each contributing two MPs, along with several others holding a single seat.
In contrast, the united Opposition—comprising the INDIA bloc and non-aligned parties such as AIMIM, YSRCP, and Aazad Samaj Party—has resolved to push for a vote against the bill, totaling 241 MPs.
As the debate intensifies ahead of the scheduled vote, the significant numerical advantage of the NDA is widely expected to ensure the bill’s passage, even as amendments may be tabled to address the concerns of its supporting allies.
