JDU and TDP supported the Waqf Bill with conditions, what is the story behind the scenes?

New Delhi: The decision of secular parties like Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United (JDU) to support the controversial Wakf Amendment Bill has created a stir in political circles. But sources say that the main reason behind this was an attempt by the BJP to gain support from alliance partners on controversial issues. Traditionally, the TDP and the JD(U) have relied heavily on Muslim support. Both parties have taken a different stand from the BJP on issues concerning Muslims, especially on matters like the Uniform Civil Code. But behind-the-scenes discussions have led the BJP to persuade these parties to support the bill.

Senior ministers including Amit Shah took charge

Before introducing the bill in August, senior ministers had briefed the TDP and JD(U) leadership on its importance. They also consulted leaders of allies Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti and Jayant Chaudhary’s Rashtriya Lok Dal, explaining its need and stressing that it was aimed at protecting Muslim interests and ensuring women’s rights, and not polarising communities, as alleged by the opposition. While allies agreed with the broad outline, they still had concerns about some provisions, particularly the impact on existing waqf properties and encroachment on the rights of state governments. 

JDU's amendments included 

The bill was then sent to a joint parliamentary committee, which accepted 14 amendments, including important suggestions from the JD(U) and TDP. The JD(U) insisted that the new law should not be implemented with retrospective effect to avoid interference with existing mosques, dargahs or other Muslim religious places.  JDU also stressed on consulting the states to take decisions on Waqf land, as land is a state subject. TDP advocated maintaining the autonomy of the states and suggested appointing senior officials above the collector level for dispute resolution and extending the deadline for uploading Waqf-related documents on the portal. These suggestions were incorporated in the amended bill, which was consequently approved by the Cabinet. 

Amit Shah spoke to Lalan Singh and Sanjay Jha

JD(U) and TDP leaders have supported the bill and said that it is related to the interests of Muslim women and marginalized communities. LJP and RLD have also supported the bill. Before the bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah met JD(U) leaders Lallan Singh and Sanjay Jha in Parliament House and told them that the party's suggestions have been incorporated in the bill. During the debate in the Lok Sabha, Lallan Singh strongly supported the bill and rejected the claim that it was against Muslim interests. He highlighted the steps taken by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the welfare of Muslims and mentioned them several times in view of the upcoming Bihar elections. 

Why did TDP support?

TDP's KP Teneti stressed that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken several decisions for the benefit of Muslims. Other BJP allies including LJP, Hindustan Awam Morcha and RLD also agreed with this stand. Sources said that taking allies along on the bill shows continuity in the leadership style of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his second to third term.